Plans for a new Catholic Secondary School in the London Borough of Richmond will move a step forward with the launch of a public consultation by the Diocese of Westminster on January 20.
The consultation will allow people to express their views on a new 11 - 18 Catholic Voluntary Aided Secondary School, and a new 3 - 11 Catholic Voluntary Aided Primary School on the Richmond Adult Community College (RACC) premises in Twickenham.
“Catholic parents have long expressed the need for a Catholic secondary school in the London Borough of Richmond. The Diocese of Westminster, together with the Archdiocese of Southwark, has for many years been working hard, in partnership with Richmond Council, to make this aspiration become a reality,” said Bishop John Sherrington, Chairman of the Diocese of Westminster’s Education Commission.
There are 216 Catholic schools and colleges in the Diocese of Westminster. These schools and colleges are considered to provide high quality Catholic education, with 85% judged by Ofsted as good or outstanding.
“The Diocese of Westminster is sure that a new Catholic primary and secondary school in Richmond would continue the fine tradition of Catholic education, which values the uniqueness and contribution of every pupil, aims to enable every child to discover his or her true vocation in life, and seeks to provide excellent learning and teaching to provide this,” he said.
Lord True, Leader of Richmond Council, has stated that the debate over a new Catholic school has been “vigorous” with strong feelings.
“There are many issues involved, including the role of faith schools in our system, capacity and quality for all residents, and the use of public funds. All of these issues are addressed in detail in our consultation, where we have provided a full background as to why a Catholic secondary school is necessary in this borough, by looking at issues such as the pressures on our primary school places, the impact of free schools, sixth forms and developments in our neighbouring boroughs,” he said.
The Council has made commitments to support the introduction of a Catholic Secondary School and to listen to the views of residents and is urging all parents in the borough to have their say about the future of the secondary system.
The Diocese applied to set up the two new schools, given a clear need for additional capacity within the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. On December 20 2011, the Secretary of State consented to the application of the Diocese of Westminster to promote the new schools.
His consent enables the diocese to commence the informal consultation phases required under the Act. However, any final decision on the establishment of the proposed new schools will rest with the local authority.
The Diocese of Westminster will now consult with individuals and organisations and seek their comments on the between now and the end of consultation on February 17 2012.