Big name to design academy

10:11am Tuesday 26th June 2001

TOP architect Sir Norman Foster has been commissioned to build the new Bexley Business Academy.

David Garrard, the sponsor of plans to transform a failing Bexley school into a top-flight business academy is determined to replace Thamesmead Community College (TCC) with a new school.

More than £10m would be invested in turning the college in Yarnton Way, Thamesmead, into an independently-run business academy, administered by a trust.

Meetings are under way with staff and parents at the college as well those at local primary schools, about the plan.

TCC parents were invited to a meeting on Monday to hear the details and air their views.

Comments on the plans have to be received by Bexley Council before July 16. If the proposal goes ahead, it is hoped the new academy will open in September next year.

A private company Three E's Enterprises, which has set up several other schools, is in charge of transforming TCC into an academy.

The new academy would have seven forms of entry for 11 to 18-year-olds and could also include a neighbourhood nursery, also run by the academy's trust.

If the project goes ahead, notices to close TCC would be published in September and a decision by the Education Secretary, Estelle Morris, on the project would be made in December.

ROUND THE SITE