Academy Proposal Heralds New Future For Westwood College
One of Bexley's schools most in need of investment has got the chance for
a complete rebuild thanks to a possible Academy deal.
The London Borough of Bexley received the Government go-ahead earlier this
month for a feasibility study into a new Academy at Westwood College, sponsored
by the Harris Federation.
"This is absolutely fantastic news for Bexley," says Cllr
Simon Windle, Cabinet Member for Schools, Adult Education and Youth Services. "If
this proposal is accepted, it will mean that, in partnership with the Sponsor
and with Westwood staff and Governors, we will have a whole host of wonderful
opportunities. We can start looking towards the future of the school and the
development of new buildings that will provide an ideal setting for top class
secondary education for students in the local area."
The next stage is to find out what local parents, carers, residents and school
staff think about the exciting plans for the college that could see an Academy
in place, using the existing school buildings, as early as September 2008.
Cllr Windle continues; "Whilst this is very exciting news, we know there
will be concerns over the changes and we are keen to involve parents, carers,
Governors, school staff and students in the consultation process, so that they
are informed every step of the way. The education of our young people remains
our key concern and any change we make must be made with their views and those
of their parents in mind."
Parents and carers are being sent details of the consultation this week. Full
details are also available on the Council's website.
A public meeting at 7.30pm on 25 March at Westwood College, will provide an
opportunity for interested parties to explore the proposal in more detail.
The deadline for comments on the proposal is 4 April.
While Bexley is consulting local people on the plans for the college, the
Government funded feasibility study will run alongside, looking at detailed
proposals for the Academy and outlining the final funding agreement.
The poor state of repair of Westwood was raised during a visit to Bexley by
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families,
Lord Adonis, during a series of visits he made across London to discuss secondary
schools.
As a result of the visit, Bexley was asked to consider an Academy option with
an eventual complete rebuild for Westwood College. A meeting with the Department
of Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) and Lord Harris, the sponsor of six
academies in south London, followed. It was then proposed that an Expression
of Interest should be developed sponsored by the Harris Federation.
The proposal for a new school in Crayford is still being pursued through the
Academy route sponsored by Haberdasher's Aske's Foundation with the Temple
Grove Trust. An Expression of Interest was accepted by the DCSF earlier this
year and the feasibility stage has already begun. There will be similar opportunities
for comment on that proposal in due course.
