It has been an interesting week full of diverse issues. We are at the stage of finalising the furniture, fixtures and equipment for the finished school (FF&E), so lots of conversations about the type of folding tables in the dining area, vinyl versus carpet in various parts of the school, radio controlled clocks versus battery clocks and whether the radio signal would actually work through the walls!
To continue reading please see the full article below:
After our successful Open Day, hopefully, you now have enough information to decide if you will apply to KWS for September 2019. The application window closes on 31st October. The decision to apply to KWS is an additional option to the normal four preferences in Hertfordshire and does not make up one of your four preferences. Please go to the admissions page on the KWS website, complete the application and return it to HCC. If you need more information please see our prospectus or FAQ’s document.
Thank you to everyone who attended the Open Day on Saturday 6th October and a big thanks to everyone who gave me a hand and to Rothamsted for hosting the event.
I was asked a series of questions by parents during the event and thought it might be useful to make these and the answers available to everyone.
1) Should I put KWS as my first preference on my application form?
The application process for this year is that you have 4 preferences in Hertfordshire AND you can also apply to KWS. In effect, it’s a free additional choice. This is because the Funding Agreement with the Secretary of State for Education is not in place. The timeline for any school, is that the Funding Agreement is in place by January or February prior to the school opening. On March 1st, National Offer Day, places permitting you will be offered a place at one of your 4 preferences and a place at KWS and then you can decide which to accept. If you do not get offered at place straight away at KWS, it is important to remain on the continued interest list.
2) How do I apply to KWS?
Please visit out website – https://kwschool.co.uk/admissions/ and complete the application form and return it to HCC.
For more questions please see the full FAQ’s here – FAQs Open Day 2018
Kier Slides from Open Day 2018 – Kier Open Day 2018 Slides
Kier 278 Highways Works – Kier Site Highways Works
The Court of Appeal has denied permission for Right School Right Place to appeal against the High Court Judgment made on August 2nd in relation to the planning permission for the new secondary school in Harpenden.
The Judge stated that the Appellant identified seven grounds of appeal. He concluded that ‘they do not, either individually or cumulatively, have any real prospect of success’. He continued, ‘ Nor can I see any other compelling reason why this Court should hear this appeal’.
This judgement (made on 25 September 2018) concludes the ability for any party to legally challenge the planning decision reached by Hertfordshire County Council.
Works on site should start this year and the school will open in September 2019.
Philip Waters Chair of the Trust said:
‘This is wonderful news and a great relief that we will after all be able to open in September 2019 and meet the demand of Harpenden families in a peak year for secondary places. The wider community will be pleased that this matter is now resolved.
Founding Headteacher Tony Smith said ‘The legal process has run its true course. Every side of the issue has had their chance to comment and challenge. We can, for the sake of local children in Harpenden finally begin to build the school that is needed so much. Concerned parents will be incredibly relieved at this news. We are delighted, it feels like Christmas has come early this year.’
Hertfordshire County Council’s Terry Douris, Executive Member for Education, in welcoming the news said:
“We are pleased to learn of the outcome of the Judge’s decision not to grant the appeal, which I am sure will come as a great relief to many local parents. We will continue to support the Harpenden Secondary Education Trust and the DfE as they work towards a successful opening in September 2019.”
Open Day 2018 Saturday 6th October 10am-2pm at Rothamsted Research Centre AL5 2JQ
Heads speeches will be at 10.30am, 12pm and 1.30pm
The appeal process is a two stage one. The application to appeal is first considered by a Judge (not be a formal hearing). They will either give permission to appeal or dismiss it. If permission is given then there would be a formal hearing at the Court of Appeal. Three judges would consider the appeal. The Claimant, Defendant and any interested parties would put their cases forward at the hearing.
The Claimant (Right School Right Place) lodged an appeal application last week (10th August). The Defendant and interested parties are currently preparing papers to be submitted next week. These will be passed to a Judge to decide if permission to appeal should be given.
Currently there is no clarity regarding the timescale involved in this process. We will post updates as soon as any dates are confirmed.
It has been confirmed that an appeal application has been filed with the Court of Appeal against the High Court judgement in respect of the judicial review.
Whilst the Trust are extremely disappointed with the situation, the ESFA are reviewing any implications of the application to appeal. Further updates will be provided at the earliest opportunity, to keep parents informed of next steps and any potential impacts that the appeal could have on the school opening in September 2019.
We are delighted that the outcome of the judicial review is positive and the DfE are able to continue preparatory works to deliver the Katherine Warington School on the approved site on Lower Luton Road. Although the claimant has a right to appeal, work will continue with the local planning authority to discharge the necessary pre-commencement conditions and subsequently receive the statutory consents to commence construction. All parties continue to work towards a phased opening of the school in September 2019 in order to meet the need for school places in Harpenden.
The judicial review requested by Right School Right Place was held at the High Court on 10th and 11th July. The judge has reserved judgement and we hope to receive notification of her decision as soon as possible. It is anticipated that this will be before the Courts break for their summer recess at the end of July.
We fully understand the continuing anxiety for parents with children moving to secondary school in September 2019 and will communicate the results of RSRP’s legal challenge to the county council’s planning approval as soon as it is known to us
The proceeding will now cover two days
Tuesday 10th and Wednesday 11th July 2018 have now been confirmed as the date for the hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice on the Strand, London. Although hearings are open to the public, there is likely to be very limited seating within the court room, particularly as priority will need to be given to representatives of all the interested parties.
One Judge will consider the case. It is anticipated that a judgement will not be handed down on the day but shortly afterwards. We will continue to update the website accordingly during this time.
