Uncertainty over for new school

Protests have been held about the academy

Funding for a controversial new school in Cumbria has been approved just a month before it is due to open.

Cumbria County Council said ministerial approval had been given to the funding agreement for Barrow's Furness Academy, ending uncertainty over its future.

The school, which will replace three secondary schools, is due to open for the new term in September.

Campaigners opposed to the academy held a series of protests claiming the move would be disruptive to education.

'Single focus'

Academy principal Douglas Blackledge admitted the agreement had come late in the day which meant there had been a period of uncertainty.

But he said: "We have planned with a single focus and a determination to make sure we are ready for that outcome and that outcome has now come.

"We are really pleased. I am relieved for the community - the students, the staff and the parents - that the uncertainty is now ended and we can go forward with our plans to try and make sure that we deliver the best possible education to the young people of this town."

The academy will replace Parkview, Thorncliffe and Alfred Barrow secondary schools and be based on the Thorncliffe and Parkview sites.

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