COLERIDGE COUNCILLORS THRILLED BY NEWS THAT FUTURE OF COLERIDGE SCHOOL HAS BEEN SECURED

29 January 2007

Coleridge Labour Councillors are thrilled by the news that Coleridge School now has a secure future as part of the Parkside Federation after years of uncertainty, and following the dropping of earlier county council plans to shift Coleridge pupils to a proposed new large school in Trumpington.

Local Councillors also warmly welcome the rapid recent progress being made by Coleridge school inside the Federation, with projected intake next September now reaching the school's capacity of 120 target, a major turnaround after years of low recruitment before the school joined the Federation.

Last Wednesday (24th) the Parkside Federation governors voted unanimously to retain a four form entry school at Coleridge School, working alongside with Parkside as two medium sized community schools, cashing in on the benefits of a high quality staff team, joint working, combined resources and economies of scale. The county council is also understood to now support this arrangement.

Coun Jeremy Benstead said 'Local Labour councillors have fought for improvements at Coleridge school throughout the 15 years I have been a ward Councillor. Its great news for local people and our community that for the first time in a decade the school now has a secure future.

Fellow Coleridge Councillor, and Parkside Federation Governor, Coun Lewis Herbert said 'This huge and special turnaround is thanks to Federation Head Andrew Hutchinson and the whole Federation school team, plus the confidence now being invested by parents from all local primaries now choosing Coleridge.

'There is still work in progress as with any school, but Coleridge School and the Federation now has a terrific future that is also crucial for the wider local Coleridge, Romsey and East Cambridge community, ensuring there is a real draw to our area for families with children.

'We hope that the county council will continue its impressive support for the Federation and also develop their plans for essential wider secondary school provision in the city, including neglected areas like Abbey ward which badly need improved access to local secondary schools.'