News

IES Breckland free school today cleared the final hurdle for opening its doors to students in Brandon and the surrounding area from September 2012 through entering into a funding agreement with the Secretary of State for Education. The funding agreement is the formal framework under which the school will operate and represents the final governmental seal of approval for the community-based school the people of Brandon deserve.  

Since the school received initial approval in December 2011 the Sabres Trust has been working hard with local people to help it reach this stage.

The school now has in place a first-class Principal, Sherry Zand, and an excellent teaching body dedicated to delivering the school’s philosophy of high educational achievement, a focus on literacy and numeracy, a strong but fair, disciplined approach and a commitment to pastoral care.

IES Breckland will be holding the latest in a series of events for prospective parents and students the 9^th of June at Brandon Leisure Centre where the new school staff will be delighted to discuss plans for the school in more detail.

Jodie King, Manager of IES UK said: “Getting to this stage of the opening process was not guaranteed and it has been the overwhelming enthusiasm of local people for this school that has helped us to get where we are today. I am confident that we have taken tough but correct decisions for the good of the school, to offer outstanding education here in Brandon with the curriculum, principal and staff all in place. The next stage is working with the community, including personnel from the nearby RAF base, on the school refurbishment; a challenge we are all looking forward to! I would also encourage prospective parents to get in touch if they are interested in finding out more about IES Breckland or applying for a place; our doors are always open!”

Gordon Warnes, Chairman of the Sabres Trust said: “We are delighted that the funding agreement has now been signed. Applying for a free school has been a long project conducted over a number of years but Sabres has always been focused on the end result; that education can continue in our town. IES Breckland will open its doors in September 2012 as promised. Student induction will start on the 5^th of September and formal lessons begin on Monday the 10^th of September with registration at 8.25am. The Sabres Trust are grateful for the support we have received from so many people throughout the whole process and look forward to welcoming the new students to IES Breckland on its official opening day.”