SCHOOL pupils are to benefit from a new Oxford University initiative to boost learning across the city.

The Education Deanery was launched yesterday at the University Department of Education by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Andrew Hamilton.

The scheme will draw on already established links between state schools in the city, and pupils will get greater access to university facilities.

Teachers will have a chance to share resources.

Initially, the Memorandum of Agreement will be between the Department of Education and seven secondary state schools, three special schools and a further education college, which currently work together as Oxford City Learning.

It is hoped that over the next three to five years, all secondary schools in the county, as well as some in Buckinghamshire, will be included.

Some primary schools could also become involved.

Chairwoman of Oxford City Learning, and Matthew Arnold School head Katherine Ryan, said: “When Oxford City Learning was formed in 2009, one aim was to capitalise on the wealth of knowledge within the universities of our city.

“This opportunity to strengthen and extend links between Oxford University and secondary schools will enable us to develop teaching in an unprecedented manner.

“We are excited by the prospect of developing the learning connections.”

The Oxford Education Deanery will be led by Ian Menter, Professor of Teacher Education at the University’s Department of Education.

He said: “Every university has been invited to think about new forms of schooling and this is our own response .

Prof Hamilton added: “All the university departments will offer a commonwealth of expertise to be shared among teachers and pupils in our community.”