Back in November (or October, I can’t really remember now) the SOR (Schools organisational review) gave their first consultation at Boxford School (and others in our “group”) and shared their thoughts and arguments why schools in Suffolk should be two tier rather than three (Infant, Middle & Upper) The feeling amongst parents was pretty divided. There were those that thought we should keep the system as it is and those that though two tier was the way forward.
The room, however, was pretty unanimous in feeling there should be a school at Stoke by Nayland.
Many of parents in the room, myself included, moved to this rural area, so our children could be educated in smaller schools outside urban areas. The decision to close the Middle school at Stoke has effectively taken away that opportunity.
So, a few parents got together to argue the case the Middle School should be used as a High School instead.
In those 3 months, we grew support through Facebook to near 1000 parents, students, grandparents and members of the community all wanting a high school. We talked to local businesses, teachers, governors, councillors and of course our MP, Tim Yeo, who’s been 100% behind this campaign from the start. The feeling was very strong! This is what the community wanted
In May, the change of Government bought an exciting opportunity for the campaign. A new flagship education policy gave us the chance to apply for free school status. And that’s what we’re in the process of doing.
This policy has also meant our Conservative County Council is now offering any constructive help pushing this application through. This is excellent news – not only because it will help us immensely with our application, but when things are up and running, it will be invaluable to have the help and support of the people who run the schools in the area (think school transport, school dinners, toilet rolls!)
We’re currently talking to a number of educational providers – these are companies that run academy schools. Our first meeting is next week – I’ll let you know how it goes.
We are also putting together an expert panel – headmasters, educators, business people – anyone who can help with the application.
It’s my plan to keep updating this site when I hear something new. I’ll still be running the facebook page, but this way I can pass on more details.
Please feel free to email us if you have any questions,
Until then, I need to work out how this wordpress blog thing works
Thanks
Penny
