Academy bid looks to have saved Gedling School from closure

AN education trust looks to have saved Gedling School from closure – and has vowed to make it the best in the area.

Notts County Council officers were expected to recommend the closure of the under-performing school.

But an 11th-hour bid to turn it into an academy, backed by education trust E-ACT, looks to have saved the day.

E-ACT director-general Sir Bruce Liddington said: "We will thoroughly investigate what the school does well and build on that.

"We want all parents in Gedling to want to send their children there. That is what we will be striving for."

The council's cabinet is being urged to approve the switch when it meets next Wednesday.

It would then need the thumbs-up from Education Secretary Michael Gove but could turn into an academy in January.

A consultation had been held on the future of secondary schooling in Gedling.

Among the proposals was one to shut Gedling School, angering parents and other local people

But yesterday, there were smiles on the faces of campaigners. Catherine O'Riordan said: "We are ecstatic at the news. It will be great for everyone to keep the school open. And the academy move will be really good."

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