Crawley MP Henry Smith has given his support to the town’s newest school, Forge Wood Primary, ahead of its opening in September 2016.
Henry said;
“Having met with the management of GLF Schools previously I was pleased to receive further confirmation from the Education Secretary this week that this newest Crawley state school will be opening in September 2016 increasing places for local children.
“I’ve been to Forge Wood, our town’s 14th neighbourhood, a few times now since its official launch last March and I’m very much looking forward to seeing the school in the future.”
The name of the school has been confirmed as Forge Wood Primary School.
GLF Schools, a multi-academy trust, will be operating Forge Wood Primary as an academy, and they continue to work alongside West Sussex County Council ahead of the opening later this year.
The school is a two-form entry primary school, which will be based in temporary accommodation adjacent to the school site throughout its first year. The building of the school will be completed in the summer of 2017, and will be in use from September 2017.
Jon Chaloner, Chief Executive Officer of GLF Schools, added;
“GLF Schools is delighted to be welcoming the first cohort of children to Forge Wood Primary School in September. GLF has a proven track record of opening new primary schools with Windmill and Wheatfield Primary Schools in Wokingham which opened in 2013 and 2014 respectively and Lime Tree Primary School in Merstham which opened in 2013. Miss Newton, currently Headteacher at Lime Tree Primary School has been appointed as Executive Headteacher across Forge Wood and Lime Tree Primary Schools and this term she will be meeting with parents and children due to join us in September.
“At GLF Schools we focus on a collaborative approach to learning by working in partnership with parents, carers and the community. We are looking forward to meeting the Forge Wood and Crawley communities and to ensuring that the children are provided with high quality teaching and stimulating opportunities so that they are happy and engaged in their new school.
“We are working closely with West Sussex County Council to ensure that the design and finish of the building meets the needs of the children and their learning in the 21st century.”
The confirmation comes in the final days of the Government’s public consultations on school funding, which close at 5pm on Sunday 17th April. Henry has been working alongside MPs and teachers from West Sussex to secure a fairer deal for local pupils, and has urged Crawley residents to ensure their voices are heard.
The Department for Education are running two consultations; ‘schools national funding formula’ and ‘high-needs funding reform’. Under the proposals of the Government, a national formula will be introduced and areas with the highest need will attract the most funding. This is in contrast to the unfairness of the decade-old existing system.
Picture: Henry Smith MP at the official opening of Forge Wood, 19th March 2015
