School places are always an issue in St Albans.

We’ve got many great schools, but when we look at where the places are missing, they are often near the city centre where the schools just don’t have the room to expand.

Free School

The proposals for a new school on Hatfield Road are currently the best hope for alleviating this problem.  As you will have seen in the press this has unfortunately been delayed to many people’s frustration.  We can’t help but think that the Tory plans coming out at short notice, despite being warned of the problem for years and many missed opportunities such as the old Oaklands site, didn’t help.

This is an important issue for Marshalswick South residents, many of whom live near to Bernards Heath and don’t want to see large amounts lost for the school’s detached playing fields.

Francis Bacon- Academy and all through

There may be some relief on the horizon though as Sir John Lawes School in Harpenden, rated excellent by Ofsted, have taken up the role of sponsoring and supporting Francis Bacon in the change to being an all through school.

This will see them change to an Academy and take on pupils of all ages.

Cllr Allan Siao Ming Witherick said: “We will continue to support our local schools by working with them to seek higher standards and provide great educations for local residents.  These changes will take time- but the out look is positive!”