Campsite land is set to become free school
A farmhouse and 16 acres of land within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, near Bideford, is the site of North Devon's first free school.
Steart Farm, in Bucks Cross, is where Route 39 Academy will be built once the site gets planning permission.
A public consultation is about to begin on the site which is currently being run as a campsite and caravan park by Robin and Lesley Croslegh.
The Education Funding Agency has secured the land, including the farmhouse, and the school will be a new build.
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Route 39 is working with the school's architect, Aedas, to produce a model fit for the 21st Century and complement the site's AONB position.
Sara Grimshaw, one of the governors, said: "For legal and financial reasons it has not been possible to name the site. We are therefore delighted to end the speculation.
"We are grateful to the team at the Education Funding Agency who have worked tirelessly to secure the best site for the school."
Head teacher Joss Glossop said: "This is potentially one of the most stunning locations of any school in the country.
While the school is being built the first intake of students will be in temporary buildings beside The Milky Way.
The campsite will operate until the end of this year's summer season. It is not yet known when the school building will start but once it does, it should take 18 months to complete.
6 Comments
by Nickers_99
Saturday, March 16 2013, 9:01AM
“By the way, I've heard it said that double the market rate was paid for this site - in the region of £4 million!
It would be very helpful if someone could confirm or deny this, £2 million is a quite fantastic misuse of public money.”
by Biddyboys
Friday, March 15 2013, 11:51PM
“Our local school has just been told its budget is being cut by £165,000 for next year. Our school educates 750 children. This new 'Free' school will get millions in funding, and has 58 children signed up! It's in the back of beyond, with no good transport links, and with 4 other decent schools in the area with student places available! So we do not need this school? Invest properly in the ones we already have.”
by Biddyboys
Friday, March 15 2013, 11:50PM
“Our local school has just been told its budget is being cut by £165,000 for next year. Our school educates 750 children. This new 'Free' school will get millions in funding, and has 58 children signed up! It's in the back of beyond, with no good transport links, and with 4 other decent schools in the area with student places available! So we do not need this school? Invest properly in the ones we already have.”
by Biddyboys
Friday, March 15 2013, 11:50PM
“Our local school has just been told its budget is being cut by £165,000 for next year. Our school educates 750 children. This new 'Free' school will get millions in funding, and has 58 children signed up! It's in the back of beyond, with no good transport links, and with 4 other decent schools in the area with student places available! So we do not need this school? Invest properly in the ones we already have.”
by Nickers_99
Thursday, February 21 2013, 1:03PM
“From the central pot, obviously. What these parents don't understand, or perhaps do understand but don't care, is that there is a finite pot of money to provide education in Devon, therefore funding this school means taking it from others in the surrounding area. No new money is available to run this school.
Still, if it were local people setting up the school they may well have taken that into consideration.”
by ramehead
Thursday, February 21 2013, 11:00AM
“Free School! Funded by the taxpayer.”