Academy pupils 'face long trips'

Many pupils will face a longer journey to school when a new academy opens in Cumbria, say opponents of the scheme.

Furness Academy, to be based on the Thorncliffe and Parkview school sites in Barrow, was approved in January.

Roger Titcombe, of Our Schools Are Not For Sale (OSANFS), said 90% of pupils currently walk to school, but under the new plans many will have to use buses.

A spokesman for the academy's sponsors said parents of pupils unhappy with their allocated campus can appeal.

This is likely to split friendship groups and cause increased stress to pupils at what is always a difficult process Roger Titcombe, OSANFS

When it comes into existence in September, the academy will replace Parkview and Thorncliffe, as well as Alfred Barrow secondary schools.

But Mr Titcombe said many pupils due to leave junior school in September, and who would not normally choose to go to Thorncliffe, have been allocated places at the campus.

He said: "It ignores existing junior school catchment areas. For example, pupils living on one side of Highlands Avenue, Harrel Lane and Hollow lane will be directed to Thorncliffe and the other side to Parkview.

"This is likely to split friendship groups and cause increased stress to pupils at what is always a difficult process."

In some cases, children living much nearer to Parkview will be sent to Thorncliffe, he added.

Meetings arranged

The academy is being sponsored by Furness College, the University of Cumbria and Barrow Sixth Form College.

Dave Kelly, principal of Barrow college and spokesman for the sponsors, said: "In the next couple of days we will announce the names of the people who will be heading the academy.

"We'll also be announcing some meetings for parents of pupils currently in year six, where they can meet the people involved in running their schools.

"If they're unhappy about those site allocations then the appeals process will be explained to them on that occasion."

Allocation on a geographical basis generally throws up some anomalies, Mr Kelly added, which he said parents would be "quite right" to question.