Havering’s first free school given go ahead
Cllr Paul Rochford - Credit: Archant
Havering’s first free school has been given the go ahead by the Department of Education.
Oasis Academy Romford was one of 102 free schools approved by the Secretary of State For Education last week.
Steve Chalke, Oasis founder said: “I am thrilled that Oasis has been given the privilege of opening its first academy in Romford.
“We look forward to developing plans for the new school and offering local families a host of new opportunities and community services through a new community hub.
“This marks the start of an exciting new chapter for the area as we work with many business and community partners to develop an innovative curriculum as well as a wide range of extra-curicular enriching activities for local children.”
The new school will be for children aged four to 11 years, with three forms of entry, opening with an initial intake of 90 reception class pupils in September 2014.
The school will teach the National Curriculum as well as offering children a varied and innovative enrichment curriculum developed in partnership with local businesses and community organisations.
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The school will be full inclusive, accepting all children irrespective of faith or ability.
Last year, the council approved Havering Council approved £16.6 million of urgent primary school expansions in a bid to head off a projected shortage of primary school places.
It is hoped that the new school will also help to meet the critical need for new primary school places in the borough.
Cllr Paul Rochford, cabinet member for children and learning said: “Every London borough has faced increased pressure on primary school places in recent years and the opening of this new school, alongside all of our other work as part of our primary school expansion plan will provide more school places where they are most needed for local families.”
Oasis has entered into negotiations to secure a suitable site in the area to build the school.
Open evenings for prospective families to learn more about the new school will be held in the autumn.
