Shropshire Star

Telford all-age free school plan is put on hold

Proposals to open an all-age free school in Telford have been put on hold after moves to expand the national scheme were halted.

Published
Thomas Telford head Sir Kevin Satchwell

Thomas Telford School and the trustees of the new Thomas Telford Multi-Academy Trust (TTMAT) applied to Education Secretary Justine Greening to open the 1,220 place school that would cater for primary, secondary and sixth form pupils to meet an expected extra demand for places.

If it had won the green light the school would have been known as the Telford Free School and would have been part of the multi-academy trust is now up and running involving Thomas Telford School, in Old Park, and the three schools that it currently sponsors – Walsall, Sandwell and Madeley Academies.

Thomas Telford head Sir Kevin Satchwell said: "Since the outcome of the general election the Government's position in relation to approval of more free schools has been put on hold.

"Under these circumstances it is not clear if the proposal from Thomas Telford School to open a free school will progress further. Our position is that we would process the application further if the Government decides to expand the programme. We still remain very keen to provide the community of Telford and Wrekin with an all through five to 18 free school and are positioned to continue our application at short notice should the opportunity arise."

The trust took its lead from research which has shown an immediate clear need for primary places in the borough due to an increase in housing developments in the area. As a result more secondary places will also be required. It previously said that a free school would be an opportunity to provide something different in Telford – an all-through school for fives to 18s free.

Despite the plans for the free school being put on ice, the three existing academies sponsored by Thomas Telford School formed a new multi academy trust in September. Instead of operating as individual trusts they are now combined under a single umbrella trust.

"Activity between the three academies and Thomas Telford School will remain largely the same, as they have always worked closely with each other sharing ideas, resources and expertise. The existing governing boards will become known as the Local Governing Boards and the day to day management and operational issues will continue as normal, with each headteacher running their academy.

"Over the next year it is possible that Thomas Telford School, and if approved, the Telford Free School, will also join the TTMAT," Sir Kevin added.

If the application had been granted the proposed opening date may have been as early as next September or in 2019 with a suitable site found for it in the borough by the Education Funding Agency.