The Falmer Academy sponsor is entrepreneur Rod Aldridge OBE who was born and brought up in Hove.

Rod has over 40 years experience of working in the public and private sectors. He was the founder of the Capita Group retiring in July 2006 as Chairman. Subsequently he established The Aldridge Foundation to continue his work on public service reform and to focus on his charitable activities.

The Aldridge Foundation uses entrepreneurship as a catalyst for young people to create lasting social change for them and their communities.

This is done by

• Empowering young people to direct their own lives, raise their aspirations and change their future for the better.

• Creating opportunities for young people that develop skills and support them to achieve excellence.

• Building new partnerships and challenging current structures, thus enabling young people to realise their potential.

As well as Falmer Academy, Rod is also sponsoring the Darwen Aldridge Community Academy in Darwen near Blackburn which opened in September 2008. Amongst his other varied activities Rod is also Chair of ‘v’- a charity launched in May 2006 which aims to inspire and engage over one million new youth volunteers - and he is also Chairman of The Lowery, the arts and entertainment venue in Salford.

Sponsor Rod Aldridge answers questions about himself and his commitment to supporting the development of the Falmer Academy.

Q. So what’s your background?
A. I was born and brought up in Hove. I started off my working life as a post boy with the local council and over the years worked in East and West Sussex, Brighton and Crawley councils. In 1984 I founded one of the UK’s most successful businesses. When I retired in 2006 I decided to set up the Aldridge Foundation to help all young people gain equal access and opportunities to learn.

Q Why did you decide to sponsor the proposed Falmer Academy?
A. Firstly I’m a local lad and want to give something back to the area. Secondly I want young people to get what I didn’t – an education that stimulates a love of learning, that offers the best facilities and resources to enable students to be their best. Thirdly, over the years I’ve gained a lot of experience and skills that I want to use to help others do the same.

Q What are your hopes for the proposed Academy?
A. My vision for the Academy is to enable local young people to learn through innovative methods and new technology in an inspiring environment. In this constantly changing world, being able to solve problems as they arise is vital. That’s one of the reasons I chose Entrepreneurship as an Academy specialism, along with Sport, to help our students develop self-confidence, a determination to succeed and to aim high.

Q What do you see as your role?
A. As sponsor I hope to bring a new way of looking at things and to use my 40 years of business expertise and leadership in the private and public sector to encourage students to be ambitious for themselves and to realise their full potential. I’m committed to working with them, their parents, staff and local people to ensure the Academy is at the heart of the regeneration of this community, delivering educational, economic and social benefits for everyone.