Schools plans get gold star from parents

PARENTS have voiced their support for plans to transform education in north Hull.

A consultation has been held on the proposals, which include a new University of Hull-sponsored academy school to be built on Princess Elizabeth Playing Fields, off Beverley Road.

Under the scheme, a replacement school for Endike Primary School would also be built, along with more green spaces and community facilities.

In total, 11 consultation events have been held over the past two months which saw school staff, parents, children and the community have their say.

The plans are part of Hull's Building Schools For The Future (BSF) proposals – a multi-million pound project that aims to rebuild or refurbish almost every secondary school in England.

A share of £65m the city secured from the Government to rebuild primary schools will also be used to fund the project.

Denise Mortimer, 51, has four grandchildren at Green Way Primary School, in 21st Avenue, north Hull. If the plans are approved, the youngsters would be educated at what will be known as the Northern Academy on the Princess Elizabeth Playing Fields.

She said: "I think the school should move on to the playing fields because it is not being used to its full potential.

"I have not met anyone who does not think it is a good idea, as long as they put entrances in the right place."

Katie Burkitt, whose six-year-old daughter Molly also attends Green Way School said: "The plans look good."

Mike Ross, formerly Hull City Council's portfolio holder for education, was involved in the consultation before moving roles.

He said: "The feedback has been positive. Often with meetings like this it is usual to get people who are concerned and against the proposals, but at a number of meetings everyone in the room has been in favour.

"A number of people said the new location for the academy would be better for them and their families.

"The reaction to the other measures and improvements being proposed has been good.

"People are welcoming the investment in sports facilities."

Hull's BSF team is creating 12 new secondary schools in a £400m investment.

In north Hull, the academy will have between 1,200 and 1,300 students, while the replacement for Endike Primary School will have about 280 places.

There will also be new public green space, which will provide walking, leisure and play areas.

It will be created by using land on the current Sir Henry Cooper School site in Thorpepark Road, Orchard Park, along Beverley and Barmston Drain and through Oak Road Playing Fields in Beverley Road.

There will new sports and leisure facilities for community and club use too.

Following the consultation, planning permission must now be secured. Anyone who would like to see the plans in more detail should visit www.buildingourfuture.co.uk