The independent public consultation on the proposal for an academy in Kettering has now been launched by education consultant Dame Jocelyn Barrow.

The proposed academy will replace the existing Montagu School, Avondale Junior School and Avondale Infants School from September 2009, building on the strengths of the three schools. The academy will cover the northern area of Kettering and surrounding villages.

The academy will be co-educational, free of charge and open to 1,770 young people aged 4 to 18. The sponsor of the proposed academy will be educational charity the United Learning Trust (ULT), working in partnership with the Department for Children, Schools and Families and Northamptonshire County Council. ULT will look to appoint a Principal Designate in the New Year to lead the academy.

Dame Jocelyn Barrow said: "I hope that parents, staff, residents and local businesses will take an interest in the proposed academy. Through this consultation, I want to ensure that the whole community has a chance to say how this proposal should be developed."

"In the coming weeks, DJB Consultancy will be holding public meetings and a series of interviews with staff, parents, residents, businesses, local primary schools, key stakeholders and other interested parties to seek their views with regards to this proposal."

The meeting dates are:

Wednesday 5th November, 6.30pm – Avondale Junior School, Laburnum Crescent, Kettering
Monday 10th November, 7pm – Montagu School, Weekley Glebe Road, Kettering