Views sought on future of schools

Proposals to create two new academies to replace two schools in Essex are to be discussed.

Public meetings are taking place on Monday and Tuesday to discuss the plans to replace the Chalvedon and Barstable schools, in Basildon.

They would be replaced by two academies - one for children aged 11 to 14, and another for 14 to 19 year olds.

Staff, students, parents and businesses are invited to take part in the public consultation into the proposals.

Government approval

Unlike schools, academies have sponsors who work with the Department for Education and Skills and the local authority.

The proposed sponsor for this project is the East Basildon Academies Education Trust.

The first public meeting is being held at Barstable School on Monday at 1900 BST and at the Chalvedon site on Tuesday evening at 1900 BST.

The results of the consultation will form part of the proposal for the creation of the academies which will be presented to the government for approval.