Wapping free school proposal under threat

By Rob Virtue on July 28, 2011 10:25 AM |

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Plans for a Wapping school backed by Dame Helen Mirren may be scrapped.

The proposal for the comprehensive secondary has been shortlisted for the interview stage of the Government's Free School initiative but those behind it have warned the idea is set to fail because of funding problems.

They are asking for banks and businesses in Tower Hamlets to help out.

Spokeswoman Kerstyn Comley said: "The new school will be a unique community school, teaching English and Maths to a very high standard.

"An exciting range of clubs and activities will also be taught to draw out hidden talent. Without additional funding, however, the school is unlikely to be approved.

"Families from Wapping and Shadwell are urging business, banks and charities to get involved and help secure outstanding education for some of England's most underprivileged children."

Plans for the school gained momentum because families in Wapping, Shadwell and Limehouse have no access to local co-education secondaries.

Nearly 500 families joined the campaign as well as MP Jim Fitzpatrick, London Assembly member John Biggs and Wapping resident Dame Helen.

Go to wappinghigh.org