King's Manor academy plans move forward

Following a consultation, West Sussex County Council's cabinet member for education and schools, Peter Griffiths, has proposed the publication of official statutory notices.

Mr Griffiths said: "Our initial consultation has shown there is a great deal of strong support for the academy proposal and has assured me that we are moving in the right direction.

"As expected with such a large project, some questions and key issues were raised and we intend to address these by having further discussions with various key groups over the coming weeks."

Closure

The statutory notices will formally set out the closure of King's Manor and the opening of the academy in September, 2009.

They also open another consultation period of six weeks.

Once the statutory notice period has ended in January, 2009, Mr Griffiths will consider the responses before deciding whether to endorse the closure of King's Manor Community College.

Subject to final approval by the Department for Children, Schools and Families, the new school would open in its existing buildings in September, 2009, with new buildings ready in 2011-12.

Academy

Mr Griffiths said: "I strongly believe that this is an exciting opportunity which will offer pupils a unique, state-of-the-art school which will benefit many generations to come."

The proposed academy will be sponsored by the United Learning Trust.

-------------------------------------

Click here to go back to Shoreham news.

Where are you? Add your pin to the Herald's international readers' map by clicking here.

Email the Herald: [email protected]