Uncertainty surrounds future of Romford’s first free school
The former Old Church Hospital site will not be ready for up to two years - Credit: Archant
As thousands of students celebrate their A-level results, the parents of more than 100 children set to start at Romford’s first free school face an uncertain future.
Oasis Academy, due to open for its first term in a matter of weeks, has been forced to find a second temporary site after plans to open in the grounds of Romford YMCA, Rush Green Road, fell through. The school’s permanent site, the former Oldchurch Hospital, will not be ready for between 18 months and two years.
Oasis Community Learning, which will run the school, has said a new site has been secured but refused to tell the Recorder where. When asked if the site had been finalised legally, a spokesman for the organisation said she could not comment.
A spokesman for the primary school said: “We can confirm that we are very pleased that a temporary site, just 1.5 miles from where the academy’s permanent site will be, has been secured and we believe it will provide the facilities we need to offer outstanding education to our students.
“While we had initially explored hosting a temporary base for the academy on the land next to the YMCA site, it was eventually decided that a different scenario would work better for both parties.
“All parents and staff have been informed of the changes and we are excited about welcoming our children in September and beginning our mission of delivering the best possible education and playing an active role in our local community.
“We are in the process of confirming time frames for the completion of the necessary works, to ensure that it is ready for opening next month.”
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The permanent school, in Waterloo Gardens, will be built from scratch.
A spokesman insisted that students starting at the academy in September would receive their education in a safe and purpose-built school.
Is your child due to start Oasis Academy in September? Let me know what you think - emma.lake@archant.co.uk 02084773903
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