Tessa Jowell has released the statement below regarding the current status of plans for the new East Dulwich Secondary School for Boys: 

 
Tessa pictured at the proposed site of the new school

9 August 2007

"As a local MP I have consulted widely on both the principle of the East Dulwich Boys' School and on the particular planning application that has been lodged. Over 10,000 letters and survey forms have been delivered to residents in the vicinity of the proposed new school. I fed back the results of my survey at a recent meeting that I called with Southwark and Harris.

"Whilst people are strongly in favour of the new secondary school, there are clearly issues over some aspects of the proposed design of the school. It is now clear that, within the timetable for secondary transfer, it will not be possible to secure planning permission and therefore the certainty that the school can open in temporary accommodation in September 2008.

"It is a huge shame for parents and children that there will be a further delay before the school opens. It is important however, that the design team and Southwark do all they can to ensure that the issue of the design of the school is resolved. This school will, after all, be serving East Dulwich for decades to come. I do hope that it will now be possible to deliver a state-of-the-art school that meets the needs of pupils and the local community. This school will be for the local community so it is crucial that local people feel that they have been listened to in its planning.

"As always, I will continue to do all I can to secure progress. I will not let this matter rest until this much-needed new school is up and running in East Dulwich."

Rt. Hon. Tessa Jowell MP

A joint statement from Harris and Southwark Council can be found by clicking here