Parents’ Views Wanted on Avoiding A Shortage Of Secondary School Places In Swindon

Swindon will need an extra 150 secondary school places in the next five years, and Swindon Borough Council is consulting now with parents on how and where they might be created.  The council is keen to hear the views of the public, especially the parents of young children who will be affected by the decisions that are made.

Swindon will need an extra 150 secondary school places in the next five years, and Swindon Borough Council is consulting now with parents on how and where they might be created.

The council is keen to hear the views of the public, especially the parents of young children who will be affected by the decisions that are made, on the following issues:

  • The building of new schools against the expansion of existing schools;
  • The level of reliance in future on school places outside the Borough;
  • Whether solutions should be Borough-wide or more localised;
  • The extent to which pupils should be transported around the Borough to use up all surplus places;
  • If new schools were to be proposed, the community’s view on whether these should be free schools

The consultation details are on the council’s website at www.swindon.gov.uk/secondaryplaces including a survey questionnaire. The consultation runs until Friday 22 November 2013.

The parents of all children known to be entering secondary school after 2018 will receive a letter inviting them to take part, and head teachers of all current secondary schools in the Borough are also being fully consulted.

Cllr Nadine Watts (Old Town) said: “There are many factors involved in school place planning and provision.  It is important for parents to let the council know their views, so that decisions as to secondary school places are made on the best available information."

Consultation events:

  • West: Thursday 10 October, Lydiard Park Academy, at 6pm
  • North: Tuesday 15th October, Isambard Community School, at 6.30pm
  • North Central: Tuesday 22nd October, Nova Hreod College, 6.30pm
  • North East: Thursday 7th November, Kingsdown School, 6pm
  • East: Monday 11th November, Dorcan Academy, 6pm
  • South: Wednesday 13th November, East Wichel Community Centre, 6pm
  • Town Centre: Thursday 21st November, Drove Community Centre, 6pm

The consulation is being run by Swindon Borough Council and all feedback needs to be submitted directly to the council.