Page 14 - link magazine

Secondary school places crisis looms
Isambard headteacher calls public meeting preschool
about free school plan on 15 August
Isambard School headteacher Rachael Mattey is calling a public meeting gymnastics
in August to discuss the impending crisis in secondary school places in
Swindon - particularly the northern sector - and to consider the option where an early
of establishing a free school with the support of Isambard.
A paper outlining a of this year - because the start makes a world
number of possible so- council will no longer of difference!
lutions to the problem have control. Also, the
of secondary provision current options have
across the town was been based on the exist-
presented to Swindon ing population, before
Council cabinet in June. there’s been a brick laid
However Ms Mattey at Tadpole Farm.”
believes the report does Parent-led free-
not go far enough, nor does it address schools are an innovation of the
the urgency of the issue for areas such coalition government, and the UK
as Groundwell East, St Andrews will see a further 102 schools of this
Ridge, Abbey Meads or Priory Vale. type open in 2014.
Commenting on the options out- Following the experience of es-
lined by the council she said: “The tablishing Isambard as a brand new
decision is between building new school in 2007 Ms Mattey believes
schools, expanding existing ones or that a free school would be a sensible
bussing children around the town to solution for North Swindon. She
fill spare places. said: “We want to position the idea
“Based on existing figures second- as a community project with the po- Classes held at:
ary school places in North Swindon tential to be part of an umbrella trust Esprit Centre, daily classes for the under 5’s
are going to be in desperate need as with Isambard, and possibilities for a Headlands Grove, Swindon 01793 822262
soon as 2015. We ought to be looking shared sixth form. It is important that Contact us now: 07980 918192
to access free school funding right parents feel they get the school they [email protected] www.esprit-gymnastics.co.uk
www.tkfda.co.uk
now to meet it.” want for their children. A working *Subject to terms and conditions available on request
Pointing out a couple of flaws in party of interested parents keen to
the current options facing the council push the idea forward would be ideal.”
Ms Mattey said: “None of the options Parents are invited to discuss the
are workable if all secondary schools free school idea at a public meeting
in Swindon achieve academy status, Thursday 15 August, 6.30pm, in the
as is likely to be the case by the end main hall at Isambard School.

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swindonlink.com • August 2013 15

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