RUTH Kelly, the Secretary of State for Education, has approved funding for a £20million vocational college at Thorpe Bay School.

Thursday's announcement came just four days after the school was lifted out of special measures - and less than three months after staff were told they faced the axe due to permanent closure.

Headteacher Jean Alder attributed the amazing turnaround to  overwhelming 'community support' - buoyed by a campaign to keep the school open.

"The way people responded to the concerns and the campaign gave parents a voice," she said. "The support from the community was crucial.

"We are extremely happy with what we have achieved here this week."

Existing school classrooms will be demolished with all pupils moving into the new college building by September 2008.

Prospects College, currently based in Fairfax drive, Westcliff, will relocate to the site to provide training alongside existing and newly-recruited teachers.

Ms Kelly said the college, which will cater for more than 900 pupils aged between 11 and 19, would become a 'trailblazer' for a new type of schooling.

But she insisted it would remain non-selective - taking pupils from the surrounding catchment area.

"There is no question about Thorpe Bay becoming selective," she said. "Not through the front door. Not through the back door.

"This will be a school providing a very special education for the community around it."


The multi-million pound development contrasts with the bleak news staff were given in October when Southend Council announced plans to close Thorpe Bay.