Primary schools set for shake-up

Under East Sussex County Council (ESCC) plans, Sidley Community Primary school would move to the vacated Bexhill High building in Gunters Lane after the new High School development is completed.

King Offa Primary School also stands to gain new playing fields, kitchen and nursery.

Headteachers from both schools welcomed the plans, which were discussed in a recent ESCC council meeting, but stressed their preliminary nature.

Jenni Miller, headteacher of King Offa school, said: "We welcome the proposals and feel that they will enhance the educational experience for our pupils; we recognise it is positive investment in King Offa making the building fit for purpose."

If confirmed, funding will come from government's Primary Capital Programme, part of their Every Child Matters initiative to improve Britain's education. Bexhill was targeted for its deprived pockets and the recent low attainment of Sidley Community Primary School.

The Gunters Lane Bexhill High building, vacant from this Autumn, is set to be remodelled as a two-form entry primary school for Sidley, with 420 places rather than the current Sidley capacity of 210.

Overhauled King Offa would reduce from a 420 place maximum to 210. 311 pupils currently attend, and the school has consistently had surplus places in recent years.

Building work for both projects would be completed for the start of the September 2013 school year if government funding remains after the forthcoming election. The consultation date is not yet set.

David Pratt, headteacher of Little Common Primary and chair of the Bexhill Schools Consortium, said: "We think it's important we understand what the whole of the community thinks about what looks like a marvellous opportunity to improve the primary infrastructure in the town.

An ESCC spokesman said: "Moving Sidley the short distance to the relatively new but soon to be vacated year 7 block at Bexhill High School would provide it with better classrooms and accommodation, would enable it to expand as a school and would also provide space for a nursery and better provision for children with special needs.

"Our proposals for King Offa do reduce the size of the school, which has surplus pupil places, but would also accommodate the nursery currently located at Bexhill High School, provide a secure playing field, a new kitchen and investment in improving classrooms. So for both schools we believe these proposals represent good news."

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