PEOPLE in Fenland are being given a voice on the future of education at the Thomas Clarkson Community College, Wisbech. A public consultation exercise has been launched on proposals for the school to become a foundation school with trust status and to ext

PEOPLE in Fenland are being given a voice on the future of education at the Thomas Clarkson Community College, Wisbech.

A public consultation exercise has been launched on proposals for the school to become a foundation school with trust status and to extend the age range of pupils from 11-16 to 11-18, thus creating a sixth form at the school.

Earlier this year, Cambridgeshire County Council applied to the Government on the school's behalf, for Thomas Clarkson Community College to prepare for trust status. The application was successful. The identified aims for the proposed trust are:

- Raise aspirations

- Improve educational and social outcomes

- Improve school-community liaison

- Ensure effective and transparent accountability for school performance

- Improve partnership working

Now the public are being asked for their opinion on the plans for the school's future. To help with this, a consultation document is being distributed to parents, carers, primary schools and other education providers, staff, governors, and partner organisations.

In addition, an open meeting will be held at Thomas Clarkson Community College between 6pm and 7.30pm on October 30, with the headteacher, school governors and representatives of the local authority and relevant partner agencies on hand to answer questions.

The public have until November 8 to have their say. The school and the county council will welcome all feedback.

The governing body will take the final decision as to whether to acquire trust status. The county council has responsibility for taking the decision on whether the school should have a sixth form. Both decisions will be taken early in the spring term of 2008.

To obtain a copy of the questionnaire, contact Hazel Belchamber on 01223 717394.