A Greenwich school had its opening deferred by the Department for Education who have been unable to find a site for it this month.

The International Academy of Greenwich, a free school aiming to focus on languages and international curriculum, was due to open in September and had considered many sites including Blackheath Bluecoat which closed this year.

But the Department for Education has been unable to secure the site and the academy has missed the opportunity to open in September leaving anxious parents just two months to look for alternatives.

But without secure accommodation, more than 100 anxious parents now have just two months to look for alternatives.

The International Academy of Greenwich’s Chief Executive Nick Zienau, said this is the school’s second year of being deferred.

He said: “It was of course really disappointing to hear the school has been deferred because for the children and parents who had applied this was the only chance they would get to be in on the start of our school. These students will have the chance to apply for our sixth form when they have completed their GCSEs but their opportunity to have a full International Baccalaureate experience throughout their secondary education has been lost.”

A spokesperson for the Department for Education, said: “It is essential that all free school sites meet the needs of the school and the local community, while offering value for money for the taxpayer.

“Despite an extensive search, we have been unable to secure a site for the International Academy of Greenwich in time for a September 2014 opening. We are continuing to work closely with the trust to secure a site for September 2015.”

The academy is now taking applications for September 2015 and will hold a public meeting on September 17.

 

Was your child due to attend this school in September? If so, get in touch at carly.read@london.newsquest.co.uk