On Tuesday (2 February), three BSF meetings took place at Rawlins – for staff, for governors and then for parents and the general public. Thank you to those who attended the public meeting where many questions were asked and debated at some length.  Following extensive deliberation over the BSF proposals, the Rawlins leadership team and governing body have a strong view about what we believe would be best for the young people who will attend secondary schools in this area.

There are 2 main options proposed. Most elements of both options are identical and we make the following observations:

In both options, Rawlins would be completely rebuilt. We welcome this without reservation and would work with the BSF team to ensure that an innovative, flexible and exciting new school is created which would serve the community long into this century.

In both options, students would transfer to Rawlins from primary school and remain at Rawlins throughout years 7 to 11 (ages 11 to 16). We recognise that continuity throughout secondary school is advantageous and we are excited about developing a new and imaginative curriculum for students from age 11.

The difference between option A and option B is the provision for students in sixth form (ages 16-19). Option A proposes one post-16 centre on the site of what is currently Limehurst High School. Option B proposes two 11-19 schools, one of which would be Rawlins.

We are strongly in favour of option B for the following reasons:

• Continuity in learning is generally positive – that is why we welcome the removal of transition at age 14. For that same reason, we strongly favour continuity at age 16 and therefore advocate the 11-19 schooling.
•  The 11-19 option retains choice of school post-16 provision which would not exist with a single post-16 centre.
• Many Rawlins students travel quite long distances from the south of Charnwood and beyond. The environmental and other costs of increased travel would be minimised if Rawlins were to retain a sixth form.
• We are proud of Rawlins’ Media Arts College status and believe that the benefits of this specialism should continue to be available to post-16 students in the area.
• We believe that the restricted Limehurst site is not suitable for 800 post-16 learners. There would be congestion, increased parking difficulties (many post-16 students use private vehicles) and no sports facilities.
• Rawlins already works in partnerships with other schools and colleges to deliver the widest possible curriculum. We would continue to do so, thus ensuring extensive high quality choice and opportunity.
• Rawlins staff are experts in post-16 education. Students in this area would continue to benefit from this expertise, some of which might otherwise be lost to this area.

• From 2013, all seventeen year olds must remain in training or education. From 2015, this will be extended to all eighteen year olds. Many more young people will stay on at school, including those more vulnerable who need a stable and nurturing environment such as that offered in the sixth form of the school which they have already attended.

The Rawlins governing body will be responding officially to the BSF consultation expressing our strong preference for option B. We encourage all parents and all students to make your views know to the Leicestershire BSF team and county council members via the consultation.  Follow this link for full details and to submit your response; the closing date of the consultation is Tuesday 2 March 2010.