Rayleigh and Wickford MP, Mark Francois, visited FitzWimarc School last Friday to congratulate Headteacher Robert Harris and the school on the fantastic news that they have been granted permission to become an Academy.
As the local MP, Mark has been a strong supporter of FitzWimarc’s attempts to achieve Academy status and, following a problem with the previous application, he wrote in support of their revised bid and was delighted to hear that it had now been approved by Department of Education officials.
The school will now have to undertake a consultation process including staff, parents and key stake holders in the local community but it is hoped that this will demonstrate strong support for the transition to Academy status, in which case the school hopes to convert in the spring of this year.
Speaking about the good news at FitzWimarc, Mark Francois said:
"I have always been a strong supporter of the Academy programme as evidence shows that it helps to raise standards and provide greater autonomy for headteachers and governors in the running of their school – for the benefit of staff, parents and pupils alike. FitzWimarc is already rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted and I think this transition to Academy status is the next logical step in the school’s development, which I hope will one day incorporate a sixth form at FitzWimarc as well. As the local MP, I wanted to congratulate the school personally and I very much hope that the consultation will produce a positive response, so that the school can convert successfully in the spring."