Setback for Planned Green School for Boys

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Rejected after Department of Education finds 'minor issues' with application

The Green School’s plan to open a school for boys in 2016 have suffered a setback after their proposals were rejected by the Department of Education (DofE).

However, the school’s trust has been encouraged to resubmit their application with the ministry describing their proposal as credible and having a clear rational for establishing a Church of England boys’ school in the borough. The intention is apply again with a view to opening the school in September 2016.

The DofE also recognised the strong track record of the existing girls’ school and said that the school had demonstrated successful engagement with a broad section of the local community, resulting in good evidence of parental demand.

In a statement the Green School said, “The Department has identified minor issues for clarification and has encouraged The Trust to reapply in October, with a view to the school opening as planned in September 2016.

“We are disappointed by this temporary setback but it has caused us to be even more determined to realise our vision to open The Green School for Boys.”

The Governors of the school at Busch Corner originally planned to open The Green School for Boys in September 2015.

The school, which was to be opened under the Free School Programme, would have replicated the education already offered at the Green School for Girls, which produces high academic standards and is based on Christian values, inclusion, mutual care and respect for others.

The Green School for Boys – which would have been a 11-18 comprehensive – would welcome boys who are Christians as well as boys of other faiths and no faith. It would share the values of The Green School – which was judged outstanding in its last Ofsted – and would work hard to develop a distinctive approach to meet the particular needs of boys.

Various sites were being looked at for The Green School for Boys but under the Free School Programme the exact location is not confirmed until permission has been given. The Governors hope it will be within a 10 minute walk from the Green School for Girls.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Green School for Boys and the application email tgsboys@thegreenschool.net or log onto the web site www.thegreenschool.net and click on ‘news and events’ to find details of the proposed school.

June 20, 2014