Parents welcome plans to turn failing Pitsea primary school into academy (From Echo)

Parents welcome plans to turn failing Pitsea primary school into academy

10:30am Monday 9th July 2012 in Basildon

PARENTS have welcomed plans to turn a failing primary school into an academy.

Briscoe Primary School, in Felmores End, Pitsea, is set to team up with Wickford C of E Infant School, in Mount Road, in September in a bid to boost standards.

Briscoe has been in special measures since January 2011, but it is hoped a new set-up could solve its problems.

On Wednesday a public meeting was held at the school in which Diane Pilgrim, the Briscoe head, and Debbie Rogan, head of the Wickford school, outlined their plans, but no parents turned up.

The Echo returned to the school yesterday to gauge their views.

Tammy Spriggs, 27, of Ashfields, Pitsea, a mother-of-three, welcomed the idea of the academy.

She added: “My three children have been achieving great results at this school and I’m in favour of the academy idea.

“I used to live in Tilbury and the new Gateway Academy has done really well. I’ve never had any problems with the school and I’m happy with it.”

Tara Hall, 33, of Tyfields, Pitsea, a mother-of-four, said joining up with the Wickford school, which is rated as outstanding by Ofsted, was a great idea.

She said: “I like the sound of the academy idea – it can’t be a bad thing teaming up with an outstanding school.

“I really like the school, but anything they can do to make it better is a really good thing for the children.”

Shelley Bell, 40, of Great Ranton, Pitsea, a mother-of-five who has one child at the school, was also in favour.

A spokesman for Essex County Council said: “Briscoe Primary has been working closely with Wickford C of E Infants School, as it recovers from its poor inspection.

“The Wickford C of E School is a part of the Hearts Academy Trust.”

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