Residents still have time to find out more about the council’s proposals to establish sixth form provision at four secondary schools in Merton before consultation closes on 2 February 2009.
The council is proposing to establish sixth form provisions at the four remaining schools that don’t currently cater for pupils beyond the age of 16 – Ricards Lodge, Rutlish, Raynes Park and Bishopsford schools – from September 2010.
The proposals aim to give Merton’s young people greater choice when looking into sixth form opportunities in the borough and to further raise standards across all four schools.
Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Councillor Debbie Shears, says: “We’re committed to continuing to drive up standards in Merton and establishing sixth form provision in our schools will help to build on improvements we’ve seen to date.”
“In bringing forward these proposals, we’re listening and responding to what residents and pupils have been telling us they want. We would like to see more young people in Merton able to continue their post 16 education in the borough and want to provide as many opportunities as possible which enable them to do so.”
“We’re eager to hear from parents, schools and anyone else with an interest in the proposals. Public meetings will be held at each school during the month of January and I’d like to encourage all those interested to attend.”
The council is working closely with schools that already provide sixth forms in the borough to ensure that any new provisions complement and enhance the existing sixth forms on offer.
Anyone interested in viewing the current proposals and providing feedback can visit http://www.merton.gov.uk/council/getinvolved/consultation/schoolsconsultations.htm
Public meetings will be held at :
Ricards Lodge High School on Monday, 19 January at 7pm
Bishopsford Community School on Wednesday, 28 January 2009 at 7pm.
Members of the public have until Monday 2 February 2009 to provide comment on the current proposals.
Notes to editors:
Ricards Lodge High School
Lake Road
SW19 7HB
Bishopsford Community School
Lilleshall Road
Morden
SM2 6DU