New Boulder Academy Delayed

Delays in securing site postpone school for a year

The new inclusive co-educational free school proposed Brentford and Isleworth has been deferred for a year.

The Bolder Academy is being set up by Hounslow Headteachers in the form of the Education Improvement Partnership. It move into the Pre-Opening stage last March and planned to open in September 2017.

It was expected to be located on part of the site where Grasshoppers is currently situated. A planning application for relocation of Grasshopers to the White Lodge site has yet to be decided.

The Department of Education [DfE] has decided to defer the opening of the Bolder Academy in Hounslow until September 2018 so it will not be an option for current Year 6 pupils transferring to secondary school in September 2017.

Hounslow Council say that "it has not been possible to secure a permanent site at this stage and Hounslow Council are reluctant to see young people facing more than two years in secondary school in temporary accommodation".

Councillor Tom Bruce, Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services, Hounslow Council, said:

“We are aware there will be disappointment at the decision but there has been fantastic support from parents and we will putting all our efforts into ensuring that the school opens on time for current Year 5 pupils.

“With the continuing support of families in Brentford and Isleworth, we are looking positively to our September 2018 opening.”

September 15, 2016