Closure of Francis Bacon Maths and Computing College in St Albans draws a step closer

The formal closure of Francis Bacon Maths and Computing College in St Albans is a step closer today as the local authority have launched a consultation process to transform the secondary school in Drakes Drive in to an academy for three to 19 year olds.

Parents and carers of pupils at the school are being informed in writing of the outline plans to close the school in its current guise on 31 August 2012 and to open the newly-named academy the next day. Along with the letter, they will receive a form asking whether or not they support the proposed changes.

To open as an academy, it is necessary to go through the process of formally closing Francis Bacon. Pupils who currently attend the school would automatically transfer to the new academy, and therefore their ongoing education would not be disrupted by the change of status. However, if it were the case that academy status was not granted, the closure of the school would not go ahead.

Richard Thake, Executive Member for Education and Skills, explained: "In order to meet the demand for more primary school places in St Albans and to improve secondary standards, we are proposing the closure of Francis Bacon Maths and Computing College. The closure is necessary so that a new school can open on its site. The new school is intended to be an academy catering for children from three to 19 years of age, known as an 'all-through' school.  

"The opportunity to become an 'all-through' academy is a very exciting and positive development for St Albans and the local community as it will bring many benefits for future generations of young people in the area. However, we do want to know what parents and carers think about this proposal and we look forward to receiving their feedback."

The consultation period closes on June 28. Parents and carers can also respond to the consultation online at www.hertsdirect.org/csfconsultations

The development of the new school will be led by Sir John Lawes School Trust, who are in the process sponsoring Francis Bacon to become an academy. Sir John Lawes is an outstanding secondary school in Harpenden, with specialisms in Science and Media Arts. The school is highly regarded as a Training School and a National Support School and has been asked to support Francis Bacon by the Local Authority and The Department of Education.

Do you see the proposal to close Francis Bacon Maths and Computing College and relaunch the school as an academy as a good thing, or not?

How do you feel about such a broad span of ages – 3 to 19 – being schooled on the same site?

If you have an opinion on what's proposed for Francis Bacon, the involvement of Sir John Lawes, or nursery and primary school places in the area, please share it below. Thank you.