2.15pm - University group win bid to run Gloucester school
The Learning Community Trust has been appointed as the promoter of the new school.
Councillor Jackie Hall, Gloucestershire County Council's Lead Cabinet Member for Schools, has decided to agree with the recommendation from the council's officers that the Learning Community Trust was the preferred choice.
Jackie Hall, said: "Although this has been a lengthy process, I hope that everyone involved with Finlay School will agree that we had to go that extra mile to ensure that the school's pupils will get the very best education and opportunities when the new school opens in January next year.
"The selection process was rigorous and both proposers had very strong bids. I am pleased that the final piece of the jigsaw is in place and I look forward to seeing the school continue to go from strength to strength."
Dr Kevin Richardson from the Learning Community Trust, said: "The University of Gloucestershire, as part of The Learning Community Trust, feels privileged to have the opportunity to support the school in partnership with The Starvaell Centre & Gloucester Deanery. We are committed to achieve excellence for the school through its Headteacher, Andy Darby and his team and to ensure that parents, pupils and the community as a whole have real confidence in the school's future."
The LCT's plans would see the school open for 48 weeks of the year, six days a week, until 9.30pm.
It would offer courses for the community and childcare before and after school.
University courses could be accessed at the school, including a pathway to train as a teaching assistant.
County councillor, Steve McHale, said: "I am delighted that the Learning Community trust has been appointed to run the new school to replace Finlay Community School. I would like to thank everyone involve in the process. The children of the White City deserve a first class education."
The Lead Member decision will be subject to a 5 day call in period and will be ratified on October 5.
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