This afternoon The Heights
primary school has announced it will be located on the old Caversham Nursery
site, off the Gosbrook Road, this September when it opens its doors for the
first intake of pupils.
Karen Edwards, Head Teacher of
The Heights, said “Whilst
we had hoped to find somewhere within catchment, this site will ensure The
Heights can open in 2014 which has to be our primary goal, particularly when it
will only be our home for a short time. The site offers us a fantastic
opportunity to establish a school that is purpose built to our needs for the
longer term. We are really excited with the prospect of welcoming the first
pupils of The Heights in September.”
Parents who have filled out their
primary school admissions application form will for starting this September
will be receiving offer letters on 16 April.
It is great that parents now have the certainty of the temporary
location of The Heights as it enables the school and families to plan
accordingly.
I know some families will be
disappointed that in the short term the school is beyond the catchment, however
it will only be for a fraction of the pupil’s 7 years before The Heights will
relocate into its permanent school building.
Although I haven’t
been into the old
Caversham Nursery site I believe this empty building could easily be adapted
into an effective and suitable learning environment for young children, with a
large amount of open space for play. Reading
Borough Council will be providing the new school with resources for the
temporary site to ensure that pupils attending the school have a great start to
their education in Reading.
The agreement for the temporary site provides for up to two years support. Over
the longer term the Education Funding Agency (EFA) which is part of the
Department for Education, is working to secure a permanent site. The Heights Trust and Education Funding
Agency have confirmed that detailed terms have been agreed and solicitors
instructed. They hope to be able to make further announcements on the permanent
location in late April.
Update:
GetReading report
