What next for Bexhill schools?

This arises from an increasing birth rate and the need for two schools to expand.

Under new plans, Sidley Community Primary School would be expanded to take another class and a half, while St Mary Magdalene Catholic Primary School would take an additional half-class.

On Wednesday a meeting was held at Sidley to find out what people think of a move to Bexhill High’s former year seven building on Gunters Lane, which would be redeveloped.

This was part of the public consultation which began in November and ends on December 19.

Anyone interested has the chance to share their views by filling in the consultation questionnaire which is available at the school or venues such as the library, or GP surgery, or this can be done online via www.eastsussex.gov.uk/haveyoursay

Sidley school is also being talked about as a possible academy, but an ESCC spokesman told the Observer this was a separate issue from the move to Gunters Lane.

The spokesman said: “No final decisions have been made but academy status is seen as a way of bringing in external expertise and resource to transform how a school is run.

“The objective would be to drive up standards and bring about improvements that are sustainable into the future. Working with the Department for Education we have identified a potential sponsor that has a strong track record of primary experience.

“We are awaiting agreement on this sponsor from the Secretary of State. We remain in close contact with the governing body and staff and will share more information with parents at the appropriate time.”

Meanwhile, rumours that the governing body of King Offa Primary School had been disbanded by East Sussex County Council were firmly dismissed by headteacher Shirley Frankis.

She said the school remained in special measures but progress had been made.

ESCC also refuted the suggestion but said it was exploring long-term options to ensure improvements continued and were sustainable into the future.

The spokesman added: “We are in close discussion with the governing body as we look at a range of options. We will also make sure parents are kept fully informed of any changes. However, it is too early to comment in detail on any considerations at this stage.”