Pictured: Helen Drew

A Worcestershire school is the latest academy to enlist the Midlands office of national audit, tax and advisory firm Crowe Clark Whitehill as a specialist adviser.

The Stourport High School & VIth Form Centre appointment means that Crowe Clark Whitehill now acts for 16 academies in the region and 67 across the firm.   

Helen Drew, Midlands Not for Profit partner, said: "Our expertise in this sector is bringing us more and more academy clients.  We are delighted that Stourport High School has decided to call on our experience.

"As a result of our growing number of our academy clients, we are expanding our academies team in the Midlands with the addition of partner Dave Darlaston and managers Ross Prince and Philip Williams." 

The Stourport High School and VIth Form Centre opened its doors in September 2007 as an

11-18 trust school, replacing the former 13-18 Stourport High School. The school serves some 1,325 students. The Department for Education and Science has recognised its specialist status as a language college, a sports college and as a teaching school. 

Principal Liz Quinn said: "Academy status and greater independence means that it is crucial that we operate as a business. The team at Crowe Clark Whitehill will help us to make sure that we achieve this.  

"In August we became an Academy - this means that we are an independent state school providing outstanding education for children aged 11-18 in Stourport and we will always keep this at the heart of what we do."

Helen Drew added: "New academies need to have an effective management team if they are to prosper. It is important to establish robust financial procedures and systems from the outset as well as continuing to meet the needs of students, staff, parents and the local community. My team are very experienced and well placed to help them to achieve their goals."

For more information about Crowe Clark Whitehill, please visit their website here: www.croweclarkwhitehill.co.uk