KNUTSFORD is to be a pilot for 'first class education in east Cheshire' thanks to a £10million investment programme, according to the council.

Earlier this week, Cheshire East Council unveiled its 0-25 programme titled ‘Giving the Best Start in Life: Every Child Matters’.

The programme centres on making a difference to the lives of children and young people across the borough by giving them the best start in life and giving them and their families the best opportunities.

It was announced that Knutsford has been chosen as a pilot for the programme, with £10million being invested in integrating primary and secondary learning in the town.

But CEC said it could not reveal to the Guardian what the money would be used for.

Clr Michael Jones, leader of CEC, told the Guardian that the council was excited about the implementation of the innovative programme.

“Knutsford has some great primary schools – we want to make sure Manor Park North right through to Egerton have the best education available," he said.

"It is a big, new policy and Knutsford is the pilot for it.

“This is about giving your children the best opportunity, irrespective of ability. We are saying that they can do it, they can be the brightest of the bright.

“We think this model can be very exciting for Cheshire East and we want to make sure every child, 0-25, feels wanted, supported and delivered to.”

Mike Cladingbowl, Knutsford Multi-Academy Trust’s executive principal, welcomed the ‘excellent news’.

“Children of Knutsford and parents deserve a first class education and I am committed to delivering that,” he said.

“I share that ambition with head teachers across Knutsford and what this will do is help us to have shared facilities in the town and provide first class education, as well as additional sporting facilities and extracurricular activities for students and people across Knutsford.”

The multi-academy trust and feeder primary schools in the town are already working closely together and Mike said he believed that the Knutsford pilot will act as a springboard for successful programme roll-out in Cheshire East and the rest of the country.

He added: “The ambition is to use this money to develop the academy and primary schools’ education so that it is equal to any school in the country, public or private, and that is what we are going to lead the way on here.”

The money could also help relieve the pressure of growing demand for primary school places in the town. This week Manor Primary was given permission to build a new two-storey extension for 100 pupils.

Egerton Primary School, on Bexton Road, also looked at the possibility of relocating to the Knutsford Academy site in order to reach their goal of a full two form entry primary and the investment could mean this goal will be realised.

Alison Hooper, headteacher of Egerton Primary School, said: “This funding makes the proposal possible and that’s when the work can begin.”

Alison said that the investment will allow for high quality education to be delivered to every child in the town.

“To be working together with such a massive group of professionals who are all on the same page is hugely powerful,” she added.

“Students of all ages will belong to a learning community that ensures a seamless transition between all phases will maximise progression in learning setting the highest academic standards with high personal expectations and aspirations.”