MP Mark Francois recently paid a visit to FitzWimarc School in Rayleigh where he was briefed on progress with the plans to establish a new sixth form, at the start of the new academic year in September 2016.
Mark backed FitzWimarc’s drive to become an Academy and he has also been a strong supporter of their application to create a sixth form, which was cleared by the Department for Education several months ago. Mr Harris explained that the new sixth form will be based in the old Essex County Council Youth Services building on the school grounds (although the Youth Club will still have access to the remodelled facility in the evenings and at weekends).
The school are initially hoping to offer around 100 places for pupils in Year 12 this September but, if the launch proves successful and there is sufficient demand, then the school has plans to grow the sixth form further in subsequent years.
Commenting on his visit to FitzWimarc and his discussion with the Headteacher, Mark said:
“I was a firm backer of FitzWimarc’s efforts to follow Sweyne Park in creating a new sixth form. I think it is wonderful that young people in Rayleigh will now have an additional choice about where they continue their post 16 education and I know that this move has proved popular with staff, pupils and parents as well. I was pleased to hear that plans are firmly on track and I look forward to seeing the new sixth form open in the autumn.”