An inspirational new learning environment for South Essex

The new Prospects College – transforming vocational skills training in the Thames Gateway

Thorpe Bay School and Prospects College celebrate the launch of an exciting new vision for education in Southend

A ground-breaking alliance between Thorpe Bay School and Prospects College was celebrated on 13 March by pupils, parents and teachers. The celebration of a brighter future comes as the school, which closes in August 2007, enters a statutory consultation period. The school will reopen in September 2007 as a new 11-19+ self-governing foundation school, with a new £20m state of the art building replacing the current facilities in 2008.

The new combined school and college will offer a unique blend of academic and vocational education to 11-19+ year olds. Pupils and businesses alike will benefit from the apprenticeships, skills and qualifications offered by the new community college.

Jean Alder, head teacher at Thorpe Bay School, said: ‘This is a very exciting time for Thorpe Bay School and Prospects College. Our new focus will give young people greater opportunities to excel in a traditional academic way and also in skills for work and life. Everyone involved with Thorpe Bay School can be proud of the improvements we have achieved together, and now to be at the forefront of a whole new vision for education underlines our commitment to our students.’

Neil Bates, Chief Executive of Prospects College, said: ‘Prospects College provides courses that encourage everyone to find the best in themselves. This new joint venture is very exciting for the pupils and parents of not only Thorpe Bay School, but other schools in the area. They will all be able to benefit from the new college’s facilities, as will the local community.’

To celebrate the alliance, Prospects College, which is a charity, has gifted the school with a much needed mini-bus.

Residents within the school’s catchment area are being asked for their views and encouraged to ask questions. There are a range of initiatives planned to make sure that everyone involved in, or affected by, the new college has as much input as possible. The closing date for comments on the new vision is 11 April 2006.