News
26 October 2011
SAXMUNDHAM AND BECCLES GET GREEN LIGHT FOR FREE SCHOOLS
Delight at go-ahead for free schools in Saxmundham and Beccles. One of Suffolk’s oldest charity foundations is delighted to confirm that bids to open two free schools in the region have both successfully made it through to the next phase of the application process. The Seckford Foundation, which is committed to ongoing excellence in education and care in the region, is pleased to confirm that separate applications for free schools in Saxmundham and Beccles have been approved to the next stage by the Department for Education (DfE). In 2011, the Foundation submitted two separate bids to the DfE, following appeals for support from community groups hoping to establish free schools in their respective towns. Both Saxmundham Free School and Beccles Free School will be 11 to 16 non-selective, all-ability schools. It is hoped they will both open September 2012. One of The Seckford Foundation’s next steps will be to help manage the implementation phase of both new schools, including the recruitment of first-class heads. It is likely the Foundation will use its support staff in areas such as finance and IT to help with the implementation. Commenting on the announcement, Graham Watson, director of The Seckford Foundation, said: “We are thrilled that the Foundation’s bid has been successful at this stage and takes us a step closer towards giving young people in this area the opportunity and choice they deserve. We will now be working with the DfE to get the school up and running.” More information about Saxmundham Free School and Beccles Free School for those unable to attend one of the public meetings, can be found at the schools’ websites: www.saxmundhamfreeschool.org.uk and www.becclesfreeschool.org.uk