Clacton will get its first church school in September after plans to relaunch Great Clacton Junior School under its new status passed the final legal hurdle.

The School Organisation Committee met and agreed the move from foundation to Church of England voluntary aided school.

Last year, the changes were thrown into doubt after education bosses did not have the cash to go ahead with a £1.8 million expansion providing an extra five classrooms, which it was felt were needed.

But governors decided to proceed anyway, and now one new classroom will be built to help accommodate those parents who opt for the choice.

Headteacher Phil Tayler, who has been reappointed to the post under the new status, said he felt that would probably provide enough space to meet the current demand.

Canon Peter Hartley, director of education at the Chelmsford diocese, welcomed Great Clacton, which will become the 139th church school in the diocese - and the first in Clacton.

Published Wednesday, February 16, 2005

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