INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS IN BIDEFORD TO MERGE
Charities owning two independent schools in Bideford, Devon are planning to merge their education establishments to create a new school. Edgehill College and Grenville College will seek to open as a new school on the 1st January 2009 ensuring the long term future of first class, independent education in the town.
Negotiations are currently underway for the transition in order to guarantee continuity for pupils of all ages, especially those in key examination years. The merger of Grenville College, owned by Woodard Schools and Edgehill College, owned by Methodist Schools will combine the strengths of the two schools bringing together innovative teaching, professional expertise and outstanding facilities for pupils from the age of three months to 18.
Commenting on the proposed merger, David Bilton, Chairman of Woodard Schools said:
The decision to merge our two schools has not been taken lightly. Both the Methodist Schools and Woodard Schools are keen that we provide the very best of education and opportunities for the young people of Bideford and its surrounding areas. We are also keen to grow and develop our national and international reputations for boarding. The merger will allow this, enabling all students to benefit from the combined expertise and resources of both schools.
We strongly believe that by combining our offering we can ensure the continued provision of first class, independent education in the area.
Baroness Richardson, Chairman of Methodist Schools said:
Our key concern at this time is ensuring the smooth transfer of staff and pupils to the new school, minimising any disruption, especially for those in key examination years. The two school governing bodies will work closely together for the benefit of all.
As well as providing an environment in which the pupils will flourish, we wish to secure the future for the talented and experienced staff in both schools. A larger establishment will secure the provision of an exciting curriculum, while reinforcing the reputation of both schools for excellence in areas such as dyslexia provision, music, drama and the arts.
The new school, to be called Kingsley School, Bideford, will continue the Christian tradition of its predecessors and will maintain the pastoral development, nurturing environment and ethos for which Methodist Schools and Woodard Schools are recognised.
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