Shrewsbury Sixth Form to take over Wakeman School site
Shropshire Council’s Cabinet today approved the freehold transfer of the Wakeman School site in Shrewsbury, including its playing fields, to Shrewsbury Sixth Form College.
In return, Shropshire Council will receive the freehold title of the college’s Study Centre on St Austin’s Street and part of the adjacent Tannery car park.
College students will use the Wakeman building and playing fields from the start of autumn term 2013, subject to approval from the Secretary of State for Education.
Cecilia Motley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for education and skills, said:
“The decision to close the Wakeman School and Arts College, while extremely difficult to make, was the right decision for the future of education in Shropshire. The provision of the best possible education is one of the council’s key priorities, and I’m therefore pleased that this agreement will allow the Wakeman building and site to continue to provide education and training in Shrewsbury for students aged 16 and above from this September, and that there will be a seamless transition from pre-16 to post-16 educational use.
“This move will also benefit a range of stakeholders, including students, teachers, the local community and town centre business and retailers – who will benefit from additional trade created by students travelling between the two sites.”
Martin Ward, Principal of Shrewsbury Sixth Form College, said:
“I am delighted with the decision of Shropshire Council which will enable Shrewsbury Sixth Form College to provide, within the town centre, high-quality post-16 education and training in improved accommodation. Our vision is to develop two centres of excellence. The existing Priory Road site will specialise in mathematics, science, technology and professional studies, whilst the new Wakeman site will concentrate on creative and performing arts, english, sport and social sciences.”
Daniel Kawczynski MP has welcomed the news that Shrewsbury Sixth Form is due to take over the Wakeman School building when it closes later this year.
Shrewsbury MP, Daniel Kawczynski says:
“This is good news for young people in Shrewsbury and Shropshire who will certainly benefit from the improved facilities that will be offered by Shrewsbury Sixth Form College on this town centre site.
“I debated long and hard in past years on the issue of relocation of Shrewsbury Sixth Form College to the London Road site and am pleased that we were successful in putting a stop to that proposal.
“The acquisition of this site will mean that students will have the educational benefits as well as being in close proximity to all the town’s facilities. Students have become an integral part of everyday town centre life and I am pleased that they will continue to be so for many years to come.
“I have every confidence that the College Principal, Martin Ward, and his staff will achieve great success with this new venture.
“The new deal is subject to approval from the Minister of Education and I will now be writing to him to endorse the proposals”
