SHOCKED parents have reacted angrily to the news that Bournemouth’s first free school is moving to a former Air Traffic Control centre at Bournemouth Airport.

Parkfield School head Terry Conaghan, pictured, made the announcement on Tuesday and faced a barrage of questions at a special meeting held last night.

The news sparked anger among parents and prospective parents who had been promised the school would remain in Bournemouth town centre.

Pupils now face travelling six miles to the new site after negotiations with the owner of a town centre site fell through.

One parent told the Daily Echo: “Many parents are very upset. The original proposal was for the school to be in the town centre, a notion which encouraged many to sign up – now it isn’t even going to be in the same local authority area.

“Several parents I spoke to feel cheated, angry and let down. This raises lots of issues, the logistical problems of transporting the kids, combating traffic congestion, increased costs and, most of all, health.

"There must be serious questions raised about the health risks posed by having the school so near a source of major pollutants.”

The school is currently housed in temporary accommodation at Dorset House in Christchurch Road, Bournemouth.

Mr Conaghan, inset, said the decision was made to move to the airport because “we have no choice”.

COUNCIL ADVICE

Primary school (starting Reception in September)

The closing date is Wednesday, January 15. If you have already applied and wish to amend your school preferences, you can do so by emailing cs@bournemouth.gov.uk to be received by the closing date to be considered as an ‘on-time’ change.

The email should state your child’s name and date of birth, and clearly list your preferences in 1-2-3 order.

Alternatively, write to the School Admissions Team, THE3, Town Hall, Bourne Avenue, Bournemouth, BH2 6DY by January 15. Your letter will need to clearly state your child’s details and your new preference order.

Secondary school (Year 7 in September)

The closing date for secondary school admission applications has passed.

Parents can change their school preferences, but it will be considered as a late application. 

You can do so by email at cs@bournemouth.gov.uk – the next published ‘late’ closing date is February 3 so it will be helpful if you email us by that date. 

The email should state your child’s name and date of birth, and clearly list your preferences in 1-2-3 order.  Alternatively, write to the School Admissions Team, as above. The letter should be received by February 3. For details call 01202 456222.