Merger of Grange and Sundorne secondary schools approved
The vision of a brand new school in the north of Shrewsbury has taken a step closer to reality following the results of a major consultation.
Parents, staff and other stakeholders approved the merger of the Grange and Sundorne secondary schools in one of the biggest shake-ups in Shrewsbury’s education system for many years.
Following the consultation, the two schools - which are operated by Shrewsbury Academies Trust - will merge in September 2016 to form the Shrewsbury Academy.
The intention is that the Shrewsbury Academy will eventually be located in purpose-built premises, replacing the 1950s buildings currently occupied by the two secondary schools, the trust board has announced.
In the interim period, from September 2016 all Year 7 pupils will start their education at an expanded Sundorne School site, whilst the current Grange students complete their education at their current location in Harlescott.
Rachel Wintle, chair of the trust board, said: “I am delighted that 67 per cent of our parents want a single school in the north of the town and that they agree with the trust vision, and 65 per cent of parents want it to be called the Shrewsbury Academy.
“The board is totally committed to providing an outstanding educational facility for all young people in the north of the town.”
Geoff Pettengell, executive principal of Shrewsbury Academies Trust, said that almost half of 3,560 stakeholders took part in the consultation and returned questionnaires.
He added that this was a major step in the transformation of the education system in the north of the county town.
“We have long believed that this was an exciting vision and to have so many stakeholders participating in the consultation confirmed that the community are prepared to give it their backing,” said Mr Pettengell.
“This has been a collaborative process from the start with 12 consultation meetings taking place.
“There has been an enormous amount of feedback from stakeholders and the community with a range of alternative ideas and constructive criticisms being made by parents in particular.
“We have listened carefully and tried to incorporate these into our proposals.”
