Dear Parents and Carers

As we fast approach the school holidays we celebrated the ‘moving on’ of our Year 11, a fantastic year group in every way. They held the prom in a marquee at Nostell Priory, and this was the first time this venue had ever held a prom. The staff were really impressed with the behaviour and maturity of the 140 students who celebrated together on a lovely warm evening in the spectacular grounds of the Mansion House.

Having rolled the timetable forward to maximise the learning of our students, our new Year 11 are now applying to become prefects. More students than ever before are willing to put themselves forward as Freeston ambassadors, and undertake some leadership training as a development of their new role..

On a personal note I felt I must respond the Government announcement that the Freeston new build has been ‘stopped’ whilst a full review of the capital spending programme is conducted. We await further details but have been told that the project has been halted as part of widespread Government cutbacks, and are deeply disappointed about this decision having worked so hard over the last year to submit plans for a new school building.

Our school is still in need of major investment yet we will continue to raise standards, and ensure that children get the best possible deal that they can, despite not having the ideal 21st century environment in which to learn. I know that Governors, staff and parents and students are fully supportive of what we are trying to do.

My commitment stays firm and focussed. I will continue to fight on every front to obtain the funding to deliver replacement buildings, whilst at the same time make sure that the school continues to move forward. The outcome of the October spending review by Government will highlight what capital is available and Local Authorities will no doubt be expected to bid again, perhaps under different criteria. It is to be hoped that for a third time Freeston will qualify, and we will be successful in being awarded funding to provide an environment which the children justly deserve.

You can be assured that we will continue to do our very best for the students in our care, despite the latest setback.

Dr Gill Metcalfe