AMID ongoing debate about its future, life goes on at Corringham's Gable Hall School and potential students and parents have been visiting as the clock ticks down to the closing date for secondary school applications for the next academic year.

Staff at the school on Southend Road have hosted open evenings to speak about the courses and options available within the school which has been the focal point of much attention since it was rated 'inadequate' by Ofsted earlier this year.

The future of the Ortu Federation which runs the school remains in significant doubt, but nevertheless it has to plan for the future and has rolled out details of an improvement plan to prospective new pupils and their families.

It may well be, if a recommendation by the Department for Education (DfE) comes to fruition, that those in charge today and talking to parents and pupils, might not be in charge in September next year when the new school year starts.

As reported on Nub News this week, the DfE wants a change of management and does not think the existing Ortu Federation can produce the required improvement. The decision has been made that it has to go.

That's a view accepted by the Trust's consultant CEO Kevin Sadler and its Trustees but they believe any new solution needs to include Hassenbrook Academy and Corringham Primary, with Hassenbrook particularly vulnerable to financial pressures because of its low numbers. Mr Sadler is hopeful that a new trust can be created locally to ensure the future of all three schools and they hope to put together a strong proposal which would see existing staff and parts of the improvement plan that are already paying dividends remain in place.

Mr Sadler took a lead role in the open evenings, together with interim head Gary Lewis. They both spoke at six question and answer sessions over the two evenings, talking about the recent journey of the school as well as the future plans.

Mr Lewis explained: "The application period for secondary choices opened at midday on Thursday 1 September and will close on the last day of October.

"We have much to offer here at Ortu Gable Hall, but most importantly, we're on a strong path of improvement, for example. In the last three years, 20% more pupils are receiving 5 or more grades at 4+ or higher.

"Not only that, but for our vocational outcomes – like art, dance, drama, music and sport – we have 100% pass or better rate.

He added: "There are many things I'm proud of at Gable Hall, but I'm particularly happy to share how well our pupils get on with our staff, that our pupils feel safe but also, as one of the largest schools in the borough, it means we offer a huge variety of subjects – like photography and animal care.

"This supports our ethos of supporting whole-child education and not just fitting the children into the standard examinations. Basically, we can support education for children which supports individual life ambitions, career pursuits enhanced with a busy and rounded enrichment programme.

Parents had the opportunity to meet with teachers and current pupils to find out more about the school, but also take part in exciting activities and hear from a wide range of student volunteers.

If you were unable to attend and would still like a tour, it's not too late, contact the school office and book in. E-mail [email protected]

Meanwhile Mr Sadler is putting together the application for a new local trust and has invited parents and staff to make a contribution to a survey he is compiling. 

He says: "The DfE has confirmed that the future of Hassenbrook and Corringham Primary will remain the responsibility of the Ortu trustees, however we are working very hard to try to persuade the Regional Director to keep the three schools together by finding a suitable Trust that will ensure that all three will thrive.

"While we might not have the answers to everything, we are taking our responsibility to communicate with you directly and timely seriously."

To complete the survey, follow the link: https://forms.gle/aYrxoj9hbXdafj2f6