Will the community be able to use the new facilities provided by an academy?
Yes. It is our intention, supported by the sponsor that the community will be able to have extensive use of the facilities at the Academy.
We expect the Academy to offer opportunities for the community to access family learning, ICT, sport and leisure facilities.
Would there be a cost to parents for attending out of school activities, hiring classrooms, using school facilities?
In line with other schools in Darlington, particularly secondary schools, the Academy would be open for both school and community use. The pricing structure for use of buildings must reflect the costs involved in opening and heating/lighting buildings. As seen at the Education Village for example, the Council would look to ensure all existing clubs or organisations that use Eastbourne are offered similar access at the Academy. The costs for hire can be negotiated, especially if the club or organisation is run on a voluntary or not for profit basis. Another example that we would wish to copy from the Education Village is the development of a youth club on the site, which allows the youngsters to benefit from much improved facilities.