DIVERSITY and innovation were the buzz words last week at a seminar discussing the future of the new primary school planned for Okehampton. But the town mayor urged that any new school should strengthen the community and not divide it. The seminar at the Charter Hall provided information to community organisations and individuals interested in becoming proposers for the new primary school. Under new government legislation, a competition is required where a local authority wishes to establish a new school. The proposers will be responsible for appointing a governing body and establishing the school's ethos and vision. Speaking at the seminar, Devon County Council's executive member for children and young people's services, Cllr John Smith, said: 'We are looking for proposers with a passion for developing education, who can inspire and innovate, and take this bold new venture for Okehampton forward. 'We are excited by the fact that schooling and education can now come from different backgrounds.' Vic Ebdon, head of strategic planning, added that expanding the existing primary school was a 'non- starter' and that the competition process would create a broader opportunity to provide 'diversity and choice'. The county council said it would not be placing a bid to run the new school. Okehampton mayor Tony Leech fears the new primary school could divide Okehampton at a time when the town needs to be brought together. And he questioned how diversity and community cohesion could work in tandem. Mr Leech said: 'It was a shock to me when the county council said it would not be bidding for a community school. 'The new school needs to strengthen the community, not divide it. 'I'm concerned that under the criteria, if there is an existing school, the new school must be different and diverse —that's not the way to go for a rural community like ours. 'The last thing we need is a school that will segregate the town. There is nothing wrong with our existing school, its results or its ethos. 'The quality of teaching is wonderful and we want the same good quality teaching and learning environment in a new community school that is for all of Okehampton.' But Cllr Kay Bickley said: 'Our primary school and college are fantastic but I would like to see some diversity so the needs of all children are met. 'I think it is right and proper to facilitate these chances. We shouldn't be frightened of dividing the community.' Responding to the county council's comments that if Okehampton wants a community school then they will seriously have to consider it, county Cllr Christine Marsh said: 'People need to make me aware that they want Devon County Council to make a bid sooner rather than later. 'We need to get our act together. The community have said all along that they want a school for Okehampton, not one that will divide it.' A county council spokesman said: 'We have held exclusive consultations with the community about the new school. We are well aware of their feelings and they will be fully taken into account when any decision is made.'
