New school for Croxley is a step nearer to opening

A new secondary school for Croxley Green has taken a significant step towards opening after the State for Education agreed the application can proceed to the pre-opening stage. Dr Josephine Valentine, who is leading the new school proposal, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to receive this wonderful news and are determined to deliver an outstanding school with a broad and balanced curriculum for local students. “We know this news will be a huge relief to parents who have been concerned about the lack of secondary school places for their children.  They have supported us and helped us to shape our plans and we look forward to working with them as we enter the next phase.” Free Schools Group Director Mela Watts told Dr Valentine: “You have demonstrated a range of capacity and skills within your group and you will need to draw on these attributes in order to turn your plans into reality. “The scale and range of tasks you will need to undertake over the coming months will be challenging, but ultimately very rewarding.” Dr Valentine and her team from St Clement Danes School in Chorleywood must now further develop the new school plans to ensure it is in a position to open successfully in September 2017 as requested by the Department for Education.  The proposed site for the new school is in Baldwins Lane, Croxley Green. The aim is to deliver a new exciting and aspirational all-ability school for students aged from 11 to 18.  In its initial stages, the school will be supported by St Clement Danes School in Chorleywood.  It is due to open to 180 Year 7 students in September 2017. Students will gain places at the school by going through the usual Hertfordshire County Council application process. However, students will not be expected to undergo any academic or aptitude testing and the majority will gain a place based on how close they live to the school and whether or not they have a sibling.