News on the proposed new high school for Radcliffe will be announced ‘very shortly’ an education minister has promised.
Pressure from all ends of the political spectrum has been mounting for confirmation of the the proposed free school, which is seen as a key element of regenerating the town.
A final decision on the school was expected last year but that has been delayed.
The government minster for free schools, Baroness Elizabeth Berridge, has acknowledged ‘frustrations caused by the delay’ and has said that she recognises the need for new school places in Radcliffe.
The minster’s response came in a reply to Radcliffe Labour councillor Rhyse Cathcart. who wrote to the government last year pressing for conformation of the long awaited project.
Conservative MP Christian Wakeford also gave an election pledge to secure a new high school for Radcliffe which has been without a high school since 2014.
Last year he presented a petition from more than 4,000 Radcliffe residents to Education Secretary Gavin Williamson.
All councillors in the town, including the Radcliffe First party, have lobbied in favour of a school.
In her response, Baroness Berridge, said: “I would first like to thank you and Bury Council for your commitment to raising educational standards across Radcliffe.
“I recognise the need for new secondary school places in Radcliffe and the frustrations caused by the delay in announcing the outcome of the latest free schools wave.
“I can assure you the government remains committed to the free schools programme.
“The outcome of the latest free school wave will be announced very shortly to enable applicants to begin work towards opening these much-needed schools.”
Coun Cathcart, said: “The response is seemingly supportive of our application with Star Academies.
“Let’s hope that a positive decision will be forthcoming in the near future.”
Star Academies is in line to operate the £15m high school in the town, once approved.
They were selected by Bury Council to submit an application for the new school under the government’s Free Schools programme.
The site of the former Radcliffe Riverside School, on Spring Lane, has been earmarked for the new school.
Initially the school would accommodate 600 pupils with capacity to expand to 1,000 places.
