Local MP Supports Elliott 'Investment'
'Residents will know Elliott School has faced some tough challenges in previous years'
The Elliott School Trust and governors, including Justine Greening MP are working together with Wandsworth Council and ARK Schools to turn Elliott into an academy from September 2012, run by education charity ARK Schools.
The new ARK Putney Academy would be a six form entry, non-selective and non-denominational secondary school and sixth form, serving all local children. Elliott has had to wait over 13 years for this investment, which will enable a rebuilding and refurbishing project transforming the existing school buildings, improving the facilities for students both inside the school and its outside school amenities.
The ARK Putney Academy plan will see the sale of some of the site to provide investment in the school buildings and sport facilities. The proposals include rebuilding the existing sports hall housing much better facilities including a brand new gym. Three new courts and a multi use games area will also be built, as well as a new dance studio. These facilities would be made available to the local community as well as to students.
Justine Greening MP said:
“I am very keen to see Elliott School get better and better, which is why I became a governor of the school. Having visited the school and spoken with the pupils I know how excited they are about having a new academy school with much better facilities and sports amenities on offer.”
She continued:
“Residents will know Elliott School has faced some tough challenges in previous years. Now with headteacher, Mr Mark Phillips, and his staff, the school is already really turning around. Transformation into an academy, alongside investment in the grounds and building are a key next step forward. I think it will be great to see the new Putney Academy become a really fantastic local school with excellent facilities that parents in Putney will want to send their children to.”
Headteacher Mark Phillips is delighted with the support he is receiving from the team at ARK in preparing the school for its September relaunch and said:
“Over the last 5 years numbers of students joining Elliott School have dipped as the school had lost the confidence of the local community. With significant improvements in the last year and with our partnership with ARK Schools the new Putney Academy will aim to become the first choice Secondary school for all families living in Putney and Roehampton area, offering an outstanding education for all our students.”
Elliott School are currently consulting on the proposals and if you would like to get involved in the consultation you can find the details online at www.elliott-school.org.uk.
From the press office of Justine Greening MP
April 13, 2012