The new £32m building at Cowes Enterprise College will now not open until September 2013.
Rumours have been circulating for a while that the opening of the much-delayed new school will be postponed yet again. These rumours have now proven to be true.
Parents with children at the school tell us that they are usually alerted to major announcements like this either by a letter sent to their home, or via text message to their mobile phones. Neither of these routes have been used for this major news. The parent who told us, found it on the school’s Website.
The letter signed by Rachael Fidler, Chair Cowes Pathfinder Trust, opens:
In line with our desire to keep everyone informed of developments concerning the new Cowes Enterprise College building, I would like to make you aware of an important decision.
Having carefully considered all the issues and having taken on board the views of the College staff, through the representation of their Professional Associations and Unions, we have reluctantly come to the decision that the College will not occupy the new building during this academic year (September 2012 to August 2013).
The letter somewhat mysteriously talks of “problems with the new building”, without going into detail.
Sources had told us that this would be the reason that would be used for the delay.
Pointedly the letter says, “We have been able to establish a positive partnership with the current Local Authority team who are fully committed”.
It ends by saying they hope to occupy the building “at the earliest opportunity”.
It is uncertain what will happen to ensure the current building, some of which has been shown to be in poor condition, as Alan Wells, Chair of Cowes Enterprise College Governing Body, refused to answer questions that On The Wight put to him.
The letter
Background
16th November 2012: Move to College was delayed until Spring 2013.
21st November 2012: Officers suspended over delays.
