I am delighted that SENDAT’s bid to establish a new Alternative Provision Free School in Bury St Edmunds has been approved.
The SENDAT New AP Suffolk Free School will offer specialist education for 90 pupils aged 14-19 and once opened, will provide a new vocational centre, working in partnership with colleges to deliver both academic and vocational AP places.
The trust can now begin the task of converting its vision into reality, working with officials throughout the pre-opening phase, agreeing key milestones and a funding agreement ahead of its opening.
The free schools programme remains an important part of this government’s plan to level up opportunity and has already successfully delivered greater choice, innovation, and higher educational standards. I was pleased to discuss this welcome news from the Budget with the Secretary of State for Education, Gillian Keegan last week and look forward to seeing it open and providing quality education for disadvantaged children in our local area.