Bexhill High principal hits back at criticism

Mike Conn says he is "extremely excited" at the prospect of the new 37million school opening in Gunters Lane.

However he realises some parents and pupils are disappointed by delay which means the doors will not open until mid-October, thanks to hold-ups caused by extreme weather.

"It caused a delay of about six weeks, and obviously we would have preferred that not to happen, but it was out of our hands," he said.

"It means that the pupils moving up from primary school to Bexhill High will have to spend the first half-term in our existing Down Road site.

"That really isn't the end of the world, but it has made the planning of the move all the more difficult."

Mike acknowledges that some parents remain concerned about the new longer school day, which will be extended by two hours.

He commented: "The two-hour extension is part of the new concept of the new school, and will undoubtedly aid the enrichment of the pupils' education.

"I can only re-emphasise that full consultation with our parents did take place. At the end of the day, the governing body had to make a decision, and they did.

"There was talk in last week's paper that there should have been an election. Absolutely not. We consulted, we listened, and the governors decided.

"That process was very clear.

"We had to engage the widest possible audience as there are many more parents in the town than simply those with children at the school now.

"In addition the project was for a community facility as well so there had to be involvement of the whole community.

"Rather than go for simple voting where we could not identify the full constituency, we asked for views in writing or in meetings with the parent governors who held a series of surgeries.

"In this way we gathered the views in a more informative manner to assist not only in the decision to proceed but what issues needed to be addressed. There was an overwhelming majority in favour of the extended day, so far from ignoring the views of parents the governors gave them the fullest consideration."

Mike added that recent times have not been easy and it has been difficult managing a school while a new 37million one is being built nearby.

"Problems did occur during the project of myself dealing with two focuses at the same time and, with hindsight, not able to dedicate enough to the current school," he said.

"The results were adversely affected and a decision was taken during the autumn term to release me to concentrate on the new school in the latter stages and for Di Hawksby (vice principal) to take charge with assistance from a strategic partner, Ninestiles.

"There has been progress and the Year 11 results this summer will be greatly improved. However, it has to be acknowledged that there is considerable work still to be done to improve the quality of learning at the school before we move into the new building.

"The new facilities will of course help us when we get there and the teachers working closely in teams will also assist in improving their performance. We need to work together as a whole community to prepare for the move in October as we will take whatever action is necessary to speed up improvements."

He stressed that the school will be arranging for visits to the new facility for students and parents as soon as possible - some have already seen the new school and were "very impressed".