Telford & Wrekin schools plans get scrutiny all clear

The decision was taken after the original cabinet decision was “called in” for further examination.

A three part motion was defeated by four votes to two in each instance after a detailed three hour debate yesterday between councillors.

The decision means that the current plans for the Building Schools for the Future programme will go ahead.

As part of the plans a new 900 place faith school will be built in Priorslee.

A new school will be created on the existing Blessed Robert Johnson Catholic College site to replace the nearby Charlton School and a new Co-operative Academy at the current Oakengates Leisure Centre site will replace both Wrockwardine Wood Arts College and the Sutherland Business and Enterprise College.

The Lord Silkin School will be re-built on its current site in Stirchley and incorporate the existing Grange Park Primary on the same land.

Councillor Paul Watling, cabinet member for Children, Young People and Families, said: “We had a very detailed debate about the merits of our proposed programme but after three hours of discussions, the Scrutiny Management Board has agreed that our plans are sustainable.

“We feel we have a more even geographic spread of schools as a result of these new plans and they will give every child the opportunity to access high quality education in a modern secondary school estate.”