Brand new secondary school to be built in Cornwall
Perranporth Secondary is among 21 new free schools that will be delivered by the government
Last updated 5th Feb 2021
Cornwall is going to get a brand new senior school.
Perranporth Secondary is among 21 new free schools that will be delivered by the government.
Ministers tell us that the sites will created over 15 and a half thousand places.
MP for Truro and Falmouth, Cherilyn Mackory, has been lobbying the government to secure the new school.
She says children in and around Perranporth have been struggling to get places.
"Since my election in 2019 one of the first things I raised with the Government was the lack of local secondary school places for children in Perranporth and the surrounding communities.
"I have subsequently campaigned hard for a new secondary school for our constituency, having raised this issue in Parliament, regularly lobbied Ministers and met with the Secretary of State for Education about it.
"I am delighted that the Government has listened and acted, and that families from Perranporth and the surrounding communities will benefit from the creation of new good quality school places that Perranporth Secondary School will bring.
"Delivering a word-class education system is at the heart of our efforts to level up opportunity across the country, and by ensuring every child gets a good education, we can help them unleash their potential.
"I look forward to working with all concerned to get this new school built and open for future generations of our young people here in Truro and Falmouth constituency".
Truro and Falmouth MP Cherilyn Mackory
What do we know about the government's free schools' programme?
Officials say free schools are an important part of the Government's continued mission to raise educational standards and close the attainment gap across England.
These state funded non-profit schools can be set up, and run, by teachers, parents and community groups in response to demands for better education provision in their communities.
Since the programme first launched, it has helped raise educational standards across England, with more than 80% of free schools rated good or outstanding by Ofsted, meaning more children can benefit from learning in an excellent local school.
In total the 21 free schools will deliver over 15,500 new school places, which will allow parents more choice of a good school in their local communities.
These new schools will help contribute to raising education standards across the country, and give thousands of students the word-class education they deserve - delivering on the Government's commitment to level up opportunity and build Britain back better and fairer from the pandemic.
"Today we are launching the first phase of our ambitious new schools programme, with 50 rebuilds and 21 new free schools.
"The rebuilding projects are just the start of our major ten-year programme, transforming hundreds of schools and improving the education of tens of thousands of children.
"Alongside this, over 15,500 children will now benefit from 21 new free schools across the country as we look to build back better after the pandemic.
"I am determined to get all children back into education as soon as possible, and will make sure we do not let the pandemic stand in the way of giving every young person the opportunity to succeed, progress and fulfil their potential".
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson