Transition arrangements for Bishop Wulstan pupils
Warwickshire County Council is working closely with parents, pupils and schools to ensure as smooth a transition as possible for pupils at Bishop Wulstan School for September 2007.
Following the School Organisation Committee’s decision that Bishop Wulstan School should close in August 2007, the county council’s main priority is to make the best possible provision for Bishop Wulstan pupils at alternative schools where they can achieve their full potential.
Letters offering alternative school places have been sent out to parents with children in Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9 - the vast majority of which have met first preferences. Harris School will admit 45 pupils; Bilton School 20; Ashlawn School 38; Avon Valley 10 and Trinity Catholic Technology College 24.
Small numbers of pupils have chosen to transfer to Coventry or Nuneaton Catholic schools and the county council has offered free transport for children who wish to continue with Catholic education at their nearest Catholic School.
Receiving schools have put a number of arrangements in place including induction days so that pupils and parents can get to know their new schools. Headteachers have been working with school councils to devise buddying schemes so that new pupils feel welcome and part of the school community in September 2007.
Following consultation with parents it has been agreed that, in the interests of protecting the curriculum, current Year 10 pupils will finish their school education on the site of Bishop Wulstan School for the academic year 2007-2008. Approximately 75 pupils will remain on site for one year under the management of Ashlawn School in order to complete their GCSE courses.
A project manager, who has been appointed by the county council to manage the school closure, has been working closely with parents of pupils at Bishop Wulstan School to deal with any concerns regarding the transition. As part of this work, special educational needs and language needs have been assessed so that appropriate support and provision is made available. Parents have also been reassured that financial support will be provided by the County Council to purchase new uniforms where necessary.
Cllr John Vereker, Chair of Rugby Area Committee, said: “I know that schools in the town are making a concerted effort to ensure that the transition is smooth and pupils are welcomed to their new environment. These measures are being coordinated by Warwickshire County Council to provide the very best education and support for children who will be starting a new school in September 2007.”