Schools set to merge
Plans to merge Deal’s two secondary schools took a step forward
on Wednesday when county councillors voted unanimously for
amalgamation.
Protestors from the Save Walmer Science College action group
stood with placards and banners outside Kent County Council’s
Maidstone headquarters before being disappointed by the choice of
the education cabinet committee this morning.
Cabinet members referred to an agenda report that contained
views from county councillors, governors, pupils, and the area
education officer. But one member complained that no statistics of
roll numbers or figures on Walmer’s financial deficit were included
for consideration prior to the vote. 
In the agenda report Cllr Julie Rook (right) was in favour of
creating one school for Deal, but she stressed six caveats which
included: A new name for the merged school, staff should be able to
compete for positions, and that the Walmer site continues to be
used for educational purposes.
Cllr Leyland Ridings, who represents Sandwich, proposed the
schools should amalgamate and Deal’s representative Cllr Kit Smith
paid homage to the efforts of the protestors before agreeing the
merger should go ahead.
The proposal included Cllr Mrs Rook’s stipulation on the Walmer
site but no decision was made on the future beyond the five years
that it would take to rebuild Castle Community College.
For the full report and reactions, see next week’s East
Kent Mercury.
21/11/12
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