AN MP has raised the problem of a shortage of secondary school places in part of his constituency during a debate in Parliament.
Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland MP Simon Clarke was concerned about the problem following last week’s revelation that 100 Middlesbrough schoolchildren have been left without a place at any secondary school in the borough for September.
Those affected were advised to seek places at schools in neighbouring boroughs.
Yesterday, he asked the Secretary of State for Education, Damien Hinds, whether his department would expedite the application for a new secondary free school in Middlehaven to address the shortage of places moving forward. Mr Hinds confirmed that news of the outcome of the Middlehaven free school application is due “before too long”.
Speaking after the parliamentary session, Mr Clarke said “No family should have to face the news that their child has not been allocated a secondary school place and I am delighted the Education Secretary confirmed that there will be a decision imminently on the Middlehaven free school bid. Hopefully the outcome will be a positive one and we can unlock the extra capacity we need.”
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