Transfer of Wakeman School site to Shrewsbury Sixth Form agreed
Shropshire Council’s Cabinet today (Wednesday 20 February 2013) approved the freehold transfer of the Wakeman School site in Shrewsbury, including its playing fields, to Shrewsbury Sixth Form College.
In return, Shropshire Council will receive the freehold title of the college’s Study Centre on St Austin’s Street and part of the adjacent Tannery car park, which are currently owned by the college.
This means that college students will use the Wakeman building and playing fields from the start of autumn term 2013, subject to approval from the Secretary of State for Education.
Cecilia Motley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for education and skills, said:
“The decision to close the Wakeman School and Arts College, while extremely difficult to make, was the right decision for the future of education in Shropshire. The provision of the best possible education is one of the council’s key priorities, and I’m therefore pleased that this agreement will allow the Wakeman building and site to continue to provide education and training in Shrewsbury for students aged 16 and above from this September, and that there will be a seamless transition from pre-16 to post-16 educational use.
“This move will also benefit a range of stakeholders, including students, teachers, the local community and town centre business and retailers – who will benefit from additional trade created by students travelling between the two sites.
“The council and council tax payers will also benefit, as acquiring property in the west end of the town with no financial outlay will mean there is no need for future capital outlay when this area is brought forward for regeneration in the future.”
Martin Ward, Principal of Shrewsbury Sixth Form College, said:
“I am delighted with the decision of Shropshire Council which will enable Shrewsbury Sixth Form College to provide, within the town centre, high-quality post-16 education and training in improved accommodation. Our vision is to develop two centres of excellence. The existing Priory Road site will specialise in mathematics, science, technology and professional studies, whilst the new Wakeman site will concentrate on creative and performing arts, english, sport and social sciences.
“Some students will be based in one of the centres whilst many others will move across the town campus, thus continuing the students’ contribution to the vibrancy of the town. We feel honoured to be able to continue the reputation for high-quality education and achievement in the Wakeman School building and look forward to working with Karen Moore, Headteacher of Wakeman, and her team in the period of transition and with the desire to leave a positive legacy for the Wakeman School.”
Extensive consultation about the closure of Wakeman School for 11-to-16 education was carried out in 2011 as part of Shropshire Council’s school reorganisation policy. The closure decision was considered and upheld by the school’s adjudicator, and the school will close in July 2013 at the end of the summer term.
Once the decision was upheld, Shropshire Council invited further education colleges to express an interest in taking a freehold or leasehold interest in the buildings and playing fields.
Shrewsbury Sixth Form College was the only further education provider to register their interest at that time, and their plans to take on the Wakeman site have been discussed and developed between the college and the council over the past 12 months.
The college estimates that there will be, on average, 400 students based solely at the Wakeman site, 400 based solely at their existing Priory Road site, and a further 700 using both buildings.
Shropshire Council hopes to use the study centre as a training and meeting venue for those engaged in education, skills development and business support, and as a potential and accessible venue for use by third sector partners.
