2015 deadline for 'allthrough' superschool

Doubts had been expressed by town councillor Roger Thompson who told colleagues: “I’m concerned about the time scale for a project of this nature. How is this going to work? There are no plans presenting the infrastructure. How can it be done in 18 months?”
District councillor James Podger (Con), admitted that it was a “tight deadline” but insisted: “I’ve been assured it can be done.”
Town mayor Martin Crane said: “The crucial element is the development of John O’Gaunt School in itself. The confidence factor is key. I hear that only about 50 per cent of primary school pupils go on to John O’Gaunt and that should be 80 per cent. This is a crucial factor.”
Mr Podger responded: “(Headteacher) Sarah Brinkley is doing a superb job, instigating a root, trunk and branch re-organisation of the school. I have every confidence in her. She is currently visiting other through-schools that are doing well and taking advice from those headteachers.
“As for John O’Gaunt School, When the next Ofsted report is produced it will be better and that will encourage more parents.”
Earlier this month, governors of Hungerford’s three schools revealed they were unconvinced that an ‘all-through superschool’
is the best way forward.
All possible options still need to be explored, they stressed.
Last October West Berkshire Berkshire Council’s executive committee voted in principle for the creation of a school catering for four to 18-year-olds at the John O’Gaunt School campus.
Education portfolio holder Irene Neill (Con, Aldermaston) said the school - built to accommodate 750 pupils - currently has 430 pupils, which was an insufficient number for it to function with the funds available.
Mr Podger told the full town council meeting: “There may be another option but any solution must tackle two key problems - lack of primary school places and pupil numbers at John O’Gaunt School. In addition, any other option must be affordable.”
He also stressed that the £2.75 million set aside for Hungerford education was “absolutely, categorically ring fenced and set aside,” come what may.
But Mr Podger said that the ‘all-through’ option was “the one that the experts say is the right thing for Hungerford” and concluded: “It’s affordable and answers the two key issues. However if someone comes to us with another suggestion that answers those issues and is affordable, it will be considered. Whatever happens, this is a massive investment in Hungerford education and a good news story for the town.”
Last week it was revealed that the consultation had only prompted 27 formal responses.
The consultation period ends on February 27.