New Horizons Bluebell Primary

It is with regret that the Department for Education (DfE) has decided not to proceed with the proposed new free school in West Durrington. New Horizons Academy Trust, the DfE-approved sponsor, accept the decision that has been made.

The department is grateful to the trust for the commitment and professionalism they have shown throughout this process. However, the DfE recognises that local circumstances have changed since the project was approved in April 2017, and that they should no longer proceed with the opening of the school.

In the last few years Worthing has seen a significant reduction in basic need required for school admissions, and this is a trend that is projected to continue. This means that there are a growing number of surplus places available across the town. There is also now a growing number of schools rated Good in the area, which means parents will have a greater choice of Good schools that their children can attend around the proposed school site.

Working on a pipeline free school is never an easy undertaking and the DfE commends the Trust for all their effort and work on the project to date.

The department will carefully consider future options for the site and will communicate with the site owner and local stakeholders on this.

New Horizons Academy Trust

Board of Trustees