Education: Schools - Portsmouth flies the flag for partnerships

Children in Portsmouth could get coaching by leading musicians and sports stars in a partnership between local independent and state schools. The Portsmouth Partnership Scheme is the brainchild of Dr Tim Hands, headmaster of Portsmouth Grammar, one of the city's independent schools.

Launched last week on board HMS Victory, the scheme would allow the schools to share best practice in teaching, as well as star specialists to help on sport and the arts.

Dr Hands hopes to be able to offer advice in teaching English in primary schools, and older grammar school pupils could help to demonstrate science in state primaries using equipment donated by Southampton University. In return, the grammar school hopes to receive help from the state sector, such as advice on teaching personal and social education.

Tim Stokes, chairman of the headteachers of state schools in Portsmouth, said: "This initiative can give increased opportunities to all schools in the city."