Wilshamstead Cllr Graeme Coombes has provided the following update with regard to the proposal for a new school in Wixams:
‘Bedford Borough Council’ Chief Education Officer and the designated Headmaster of the proposed Wixams Academy spoke to Wixams Parish Council last Monday evening (9th Nov). The discussion was wide ranging and Parish Councillors put a number of questions to them relating to planning, the curriculum and admissions amongst other issues.
‘The Head was keen to dispel some myths than have arisen as a result of recent publicity and he confirmed:
• That entry will be from age 11, in line with the Bedford Borough’s transition to 2-tier education
• That the curriculum will be a traditional, broad curriculum and not a specialist technical one
• A planning application for the school building has not yet been made, but is expected to be submitted in December
• The new building, once planning is approved, is likely to open for pupils in September 2017
‘There will be a number of events taking place where residents and parents of prospective pupils can find out more. On Wednesday 25th November, 7-9pm at the Munson Room Lakeview Village Hall, there will be the first meeting of the ‘Friends of Bedford Technical Academy’. This will discuss the curriculum, admissions, consultation and building.
‘The Academy is also currently embarking on a consultation exercise and I have been advised that they would welcome input from members of the community. You can find the consultation at:
http://www.bedfordtech.co.uk/consultation
‘Funding for the new Academy will come from a number of sources, including central government (Department for Education), Bedford Borough Council and the contributions that come via developers (known as s106 contributions).
‘There was initially a £2.5m shortfall in the funding package (the total cost of the new school is in the region of £13m). Following discussions between Council officers, developers, Parish Councillors and myself, however, a reallocation of some of the existing s106 funding has bridged the funding gap to deliver the full £13m package. The Borough Council will now be consulting residents on this reallocation in the very near future.’
