Plans for new Corby school withdrawn due to lack of demand

The Ashworth Preparatory School was first proposed for Corby by the David Ross Education Trust about three years ago and had been due to open to pupils in September 2015.

However, its opening was put back by a year due to ongoing discussions about the site.

A revised opening date for the start of the 2016/17 academic year was then proposed, but the school plans have now been withdrawn.

A spokesman for the David Ross Education Trust said: “As you may be aware the David Ross Education Trust, and our partners at the Education Funding Agency and Northamptonshire County Council, have been working hard to develop an exciting new school for Corby.

“Since Ashworth Prep was first talked about three years ago, we have been impressed with the progress that primary schools in Corby and the surrounding area have made.

“Results have strengthened, Ofsted grades improved and the number of children learning in schools that are deemed as less than good have significantly decreased.

“This is fantastic news for the town, and testament to the hardwork and efforts of Corby’s teachers and educationalists.

“Combined with the fact that building developments have not happened at the rate that was originally anticipated, this has meant that the need for Ashworth Prep has reduced significantly.

“It is with regret, therefore, that we have felt it right to withdraw our application to open the school.

“As a result Ashworth Prep will not open in September.

“Families who had selected Ashworth Prep have been notified, and have been accepted to another primary that they selected.”

A spokesman for Northamptonshire County Council said: “The plans for Ashworth Preparatory School have been withdrawn because there is currently not sufficient demand for these places in Corby.

“The small number of families who applied for a school place for September have been allocated a place elsewhere in the town.

“We are continuing our discussions with the school sponsor the David Ross Education Trust with a view to working together to provide school provision in the future.”

The school had been named after Lance Corporal James Ashworth VC of Corby.

James was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

He was killed in Afghanistan on June 13, 2012, as he led his fire team in an attack on an enemy-held compound.

To read more about the Ashworth Preparatory School and it’s story so far, click here