More than 1,400 people have signed an e-petition calling on Wokingham Borough Council to keep its promise to rebuild the sixth form building at Emmbrook School
In 2022, Wokingham Borough Council asked the school to take on additional pupils beyond its capacity. An agreement was made where Emmbrook would accommodate the extra pupils by converting part of the existing sixth form building into a dining hall extension. In return, the council would provide capital for a new sixth form building that was scheduled to open in September 2025.
Emmbrook School has upheld its part of the agreement, however it is claimed that the council has not honoured its part of the deal. Despite confirming it has the budget, it has been claimed it has not committed to rebuilding the sixth form unit.
According to existing planning permission, construction must commence by March 2026 at the latest. Even if the council gave immediate approval, the earliest the new sixth form could open is September 2028.
Sarah Thomas, the petition organiser, said: “As a result of Wokingham Borough Council reneging on the agreement, the sixth form at Emmbrook is being educated in temporary buildings, with no firm commitment on when this will end.
“I am asking the council to honour the commitment given in 2022, and commit today to the immediate provision of a new sixth form at Emmbrook.”
The topic was also raised by Gabriela Goncalves, a student at the school, during last month’s full council meeting.
Noting a 44% increase in pupils at the school since September 2018, she asked for reassurance that the council understands the concerns of students, and remained committed to providing the promised investment.
Cllr Stephen Conway, leader of the council, answered her question.
He said: The local authority remains committed to the funding of the new teaching block at the Emmbrook School, in line with the provisions set out in our chief finance officer’s letter to the Circle Trust of May 16, 2024.
“That letter sets out that funding is subject to two conditions: The first that the capital funding for the works is included in the local authority’s 2026/27 medium term financial plan, and it is approved by council.
“The second condition is the outcome of a borough-wide review of school place provision, including post-16 education, and would need to support the need for the expansion works being carried out at Emmbrook School.
“Both of those conditions were very clearly stated in the letter, and the council’s commitment to this scheme has not changed.”
Ms Thomas said the letter in May 2024 was changing the terms of the agreement after Emmbrook School had already demolished the sixth form block.
She said: “Emmbrook would not have demolished the existing building if there was any risk that it would not be rebuilt.”
Cllr Charles Margetts, the Conservative shadow member for adults and children’s services, said: “The council has confirmed that it has the money for the expansion, yet has not included it in the budget for the next three years.
“If the council was committed to expanding Emmbrook, it would commit to the scheme now.
“The only conclusion I can draw is that the council is going to break its promise and leave Emmbrook students in temporary accommodation.”
Prue Bray, executive member for children’s services, told Wokingham Today: “The council still fully expects to honour its intention given to The Circle Trust on the expansion plans for The Emmbrook School, which include the rebuilding of its sixth form block.
“The council’s original proposal with the trust from 2022 was reviewed in 2023, resulting in both parties agreeing , in principle, a revised position in 2024.
“The details set out in this letter include the Emmbrook expansion plans, and there is nothing that has changed with regards to the terms in the letter, and the council’s intent to honour it.”
Cllr Margetts concluded: “I would call on anyone who is concerned over this situation to sign the petition, and support the Emmbrook parents in their campaign to get the council to see sense.”
The petition is at: https://shorturl.at/Wd8gI
