David Warburton, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Somerton and Frome, convened a meeting at Somerset County Council’s offices at County Hall in Taunton to secure funding for the feasibility study for building a new school for Somerton to house the newly merged Somerton Infants and Monteclefe Junior schools.
Julia Ridge, County’s Education Strategic Commissioning Manager, Frances Nicholson, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, David Norton, Head of Somerton Infants School and Monteclefe Junior School, Dean Ruddle, County Councillor for Somerton and David Warburton met to discuss the future of primary education in the town.
In order to build a new primary school for Somerton, funding must be found for the initial feasibility study, which will establish the site, scope, timing, and cost of the project.
At the meeting, Somerset County Council pledged a proportion of the necessary funds, and it was agreed that other sources from those present could contribute in order to get the project underway.
David Warburton said, “The meeting was a very important step towards building a proper foundation for education in Somerton. Without a new school building, we will be missing an opportunity. I’m keen that we look boldly towards the future and establish a local centre for learning which will last for future generations.”
In February, David introduced the Secretary of State for Education, Michael Gove MP, to David Norton, Head of Somerton Infants School and Monteclefe Junior School to discuss the merger of the two schools. Michael Gove indicated his support for the proposal and said that he would continue to work with David Warburton to facilitate the development of education in the area.