COUNCILLORS say they are delighted with the wide range of enquiries from organisations interested in running the new secondary school opening in Arborfield in September 2016.
Those to have expressed an interest so far include:
- The Bohunt Education Trust
- GLF Schools
- King’s Group
- Maiden Erlegh School, Earley
- Waingels College, Woodley
Each visited the school site and Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) offices last week and met councillors, including executive member for children’s services Cllr Charlotte Haitham Taylor, parents and officers. Formal applications must be submitted by April 6.
Cllr Taylor said: “We are delighted by the number of organisations who have expressed an interest in running this school.
“Selecting the right preferred provider is vital and it is wonderful to have such a wide range of interest at this stage.
“There will be a rigorous selection process, with local parents having the opportunity to meet all applicants and be fully involved.”
WBC will submit its choice of the preferred provider to the Secretary of State who will make the final decision on who will run the new school.
A Parents Reference Group (PRG) has been working with the council on delivery of the school.
Cllr Taylor added: “With every big milestone being reached, we are getting closer and closer to the first moments when parents will see this school growing from the ground which will be very exciting for the community it will serve.
“Next, we have the planning application to be decided upon this month, and so we are currently on track to open this much needed school.
“A large part of the credit, for the progress to date, must go to all those parents who have given their time, knowledge and passion to work towards a great school for their children.
“We are extremely grateful for their efforts and delighted that they will be bringing their expertise to the preferred provider selection process.”
A roadshow involving members of the PRG and WBC officers are currently spreading the work by taking a roadshow to primary schools.
For more, visit: www.wokingham.gov.uk/schools/review/new-arborfield-school or the Project 2016 Facebook page.
