They share the same catchment area and with school funding based on pupil numbers, it is a challenge for Rishton/Great Harwood and Norden school to compete. It's not a level playing field.
Norden is also in need of refurbishment, as are most of Hyndburns secondary schools however the Academy through the generosity of a wealthy benefactor has fantastic facilities.
On both these issues, school rolls and building improvements, you can see from the response I have received from Gove is unnaceptable. The letter contains plenty of fudge but provides no answers to a falling demographic and a 'free for all' admissions policy that traps Norden in three directions with green fields and to the south the Academy.
There are serious questions about such a 'free for all' admissions policy; Acadamies are free to act as Independent schools on admissions.
