Video of the 2000 specialist schools

The Specialist Schools Trust held a reception at the Guildhall, London, on Wednesday 2 March 2005 from 5.15 to 8.00pm.

Reason to celebrate:

The Specialist Schools Trust held a reception at the Guildhall, London, on Wednesday 2 March 2005 to celebrate the designation of 2000 specialist schools, which has been achieved a year in advance of the target date of 2006 set by government in 2003.

Video footage of the event is now available

This landmark occasion provided us with an exciting opportunity to address some key issues for the Specialist Schools Trust, namely:

• To emphasise the vital work the Specialist Schools Trust is involved in to achieve the aims of one of the government's flagship educational initiatives.
• To further raise the profile of specialist schools and reinvigorate interest in the programme.
• To provide us with an opportunity to thank our committed sponsors.
• To help reinforce the role of the Specialist Schools Trust as an important broker both for schools and the private sector.

In attendance were more than 800 guests, including Government Ministers, headteachers and pupils, business leaders and educationalists. Speeches were given by the Rt Hon Lord Mayor of London, Prime Minister Tony Blair MP; the Rt Hon Ruth Kelly MP, Secretary of State for Education and Skills; Michael Geoghegan, Chief Executive, HSBC Bank Plc; Sir Cyril Taylor, Chairman, Specialist Schools Trust; and Elizabeth Reid, Chief Executive, Specialist Schools Trust.

Musical entertainment was provided by students from Abbs Cross School, Brentwood Ursuline Convent High School, St Marylebone School and Stoke Newington Arts and Media College.

Major Sponsor