JUST in case you wondered, it is Essex County Council who are in charge of education for Harlow.

The portfolio holder for education is called Tony Ball. As we hadn’t actually heard from him regarding the problems with Sir Frederick Gibberd College, we invited him to comment.

Councillor Tony Ball, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability, said: “We have been working at pace with the Department for Education (DfE) and the BMAT Education Trust in order to restore in-person learning for all pupils of Sir Frederick Gibberd College as soon as possible at the start of the Autumn term. Our role is to support the Trust and DfE in the emergency planning work currently underway to ensure that all pupils can access face to face education in alternative accommodation as soon as possible.

“Temporary arrangements for the start of the term in September are currently being finalised. Education provision will be provided at the Trust’s Mark Hall Academy as well as from temporary classrooms at the Frederick Gibberd College site. Free transport for pupils will be provided where required. All parents and carers have been communicated with directly and will continue to be provided with updates.

“We know this is an unsettling time for children and their parents and carers and appreciate their understanding and patience while plans are being finalised.”