Plans for a new free school in south Essex have been welcomed by parents – and grandparents.
Southend Council will discuss the proposals next week to determine where the new school will be sited.
The development is a part of council’s ongoing secondary school expansion scheme – and the preferred location is land by St Laurence Park, along Eastwoodbury Lane.
The secondary school is envisioned to become a “Stem” school which will specialise in science, technology, engineering and maths.
It will also provide more than 300 school places over the course of the next two years.
Parents were full of praise for the plans and eager to find out when it will be agreed.
A mother-of-two from Eastwoodbury Lane, who asked not to be named, said: “It’s a good idea. You can never have enough schools, as a parent I would always support a new school in Southend.
“I am pleased to see that Southend Council is looking at this plan for our area.
“I think that most other parents would agree with this plan for the school.
“I do not see any negative impact of these plans on this area of Southend. The new school could mean that there is more traffic in the area and things like that but apart from that I am in favour.”
A grandfather-of-one from Eastwoodbury Lane, who also asked not to be named, said: “I am concerned on the impact of this on the infrastructure, such as that on local doctors.
“I think these issues need to be considered.”
Councillor James Courtenay, responsible for children and learning, said: “While we are working hard to meet expansion requirements for September 2018 through our ongoing work with current schools.
“We need to open a new free school in the borough by September 2019 to provide enough secondary school places for local children and meet our statutory obligations.
“This will be funded through a bid by a proven academy trust to the Department for Education, with the council’s support.
“I am excited to say that the academy trust envisages this being a science, technology, engineering and manufacturing school, which will enhance what we can currently offer in the borough, expand parental choice and open up innovative and important links with the nearby airport, and Airport Business Park, which is under construction.”
