Hungerford education: 'better together'

Weeks of bitter controversy over plans for an ‘all through, super school’ have had an unforeseen, but welcome, effect, according to a spokeswoman for the 400-strong parent group, Hungerford Education Plan Active Response (HEAR).
Parents, head teachers, school governors, council chiefs and town planners are all pulling together for the first time.
The proposals for John O’Gaunt School were officially scrapped in May but nevertheless brought together an alliance of parents, governors and head teachers.
Since then, the parties have met to discuss alternatives and a spokeswoman for HEAR, Tina Harrigan-James, said: “It’s brilliant - everyone is apporaching the future with a positive attitude having found that it’s better to work together.”
So far there have been two dialogue meetings of a committee comprising head teachers and governors from all three Hungerford schools plus HEAR representatives and council officials.
Mrs Harrigan-James said: “We will examine, one by one, the proposals put forward by the public and town council. Together we make a fantastic, cohesive team.”
A feasability study to determine possible expansion on the primary school site is being prepared and a regular newsletter to keep parents informed of progress is in the pipeline.
Fears that the meetings could be a powerless talking shop have been laid to rest by assurances from West Berkshire Council leader Gordon Lundie (Con, Lambourn Valley) and council education portfolio holder Irene neill (Con, Aldermaston).
Mrs Harrigan-James said: “I was also assured by (council education officer) Ian Pearson that these meetings had legitimacy. And Mr Lundie has said that he will get behind whatever is decided at these meetings.”
Town planners have also been asked for input, with the news last week that Hungerford may host major housing developments.
Mr Lundie said: “I’m delighted that we now have a group of people across the board that we can work towards the future with.
“We’re in a muich stronger position to discuss the future of education in Hungerford cohesively than we were 12 months ago.”
He added: “(John O’Gaunt School head teacher) Sarah Brinkley has been engaging with the whole community as well as the other two schools and we look forward to a good Ofsted report.”