A SCHOOL with an image problem is set for a makeover with the help of Cheshire-based Nord Anglia.

The education and related services provider has been named as the preferred bidder for a seven-year management contract which is thought to be the first of its kind in the country.

If selected, the Cheadle outfit will work with Surrey County Council to try to change parents’ negative attitudes towards Abbeylands School, in Addlestone and Chertsey, and encourage more to make it their first choice for their children.

Nord Anglia chairman Kevin McNeany said: ‘‘We are eager to assist the school.

‘‘The local education authority is aware that traditional methods to turn around the school’s image with parents and children have not worked and it is our intention to secure a high level of pupil attainment.’’

Image problem

While the school is performing increasing well academically, the governors are experiencing difficulty in attracting pupils.

Other local schools are currently over-subscribed, but half of the pupils at Abbeylands are not there through first parental choice.

Nord Anglia says it will provide the leadership, structure and resources the school needs.

It plans to change Abbeylands’ name to Runnymede Business and Enterprise College from September next year.

The company says it has enjoyed success with other poorly-performing schools around the country.

And last week Nord Anglia announced it was on the verge of clinching a £200m contract with the London Borough of Waltham Forest, and was in the last two bidding for a £500m scheme in Bradford, West Yorkshire.

Both are for the provision of local authority services, such as strategic planning, for five years from September.

The company increased profits from £1.1m to £1.6m in the six months to February 28.

Shares were up 15.5p, or 5.47 per cent, to 299p today.

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