'Edenbridge Needs a Secondary School': the saga continues.

A few years ago Kent County Council decided to close the secondary school in Edenbridge.  One consequence of the decision has been the need to transport children to other towns for their schooling, which is not without its problems.  However, Edenbridge is not unique.  The selective system in operation in Kent results in many children across Kent travelling many miles to their schools, even more so for  children attending a school controlled by a faith organisation.

A small group of Edenbridge residents decided it would be a good idea to open a new secondary school in Edenbridge.  The local education authority is not keen on the idea which leaves the free school route as the only option.

The process to be followed to open a free school is daunting.  Just how difficult it is may be judged by following this link to the Department for Education website.  

So far the group working to open a new school has not been transparent. Rumours  have been circulating in Edenbridge about the proposed location, the name of a 'benefactor'  and the proposed name.  Little of substance is in the public domain, which is not good enough.  A free school proposal must show support for it from the community and in particular from parents of prospective pupils.

It is time that those behind the proposal went public: what is the proposed intake for the school, what is the proposed curriculum, where will it be located (planning permission will be required I suspect), who will be the owners of the company which operates the school?

Lots of questions, no answers.  To succeed a secondary school will need the support and commitment of the people of Edenbridge. They should be consulted now.