Alok Sharma, the Member of Parliament for Reading West, has welcomed West Berkshire Council’s announcement that a new learning centre will be built on the iCollege site in Calcot, as part of West Berkshire Council’s investment in alternative education provision.

The new £2m building will provide a modern, purpose-built space for pupils who find it difficult to access mainstream education. The current facility is too small and no longer suitable for delivering the full curriculum. 

The iCollege was established in 2017 and is based on five sites across the district. It supports 84 learners, from ages five to nineteen, providing access to the curriculum and working towards a return to mainstream education or post-16 education, employment or training.

The redevelopment of the Calcot site, which falls within Alok’s constituency in Reading West, comes soon after its recent Ofsted inspection, and which rated it ‘Good’ for overall effectiveness. It was found to be ‘Good’ across the board including the quality of education, leadership and management, and behaviour and attitudes. Inspectors commented on pupils who are polite and courteous, behave well most of the time and whose successes are celebrated by teachers at every step of the way.

Building work is due to begin in September and last for the full 2022/23 academic year. Whilst the work is carried out staff and students currently based at the Calcot site will temporarily relocate to a site formerly occupied by Parsons Down Infant School in Thatcham. The bespoke nature of iCollege teaching means there will only be a maximum of 12 students on site at any one time. West Berkshire Council is working with iCollege and the Parsons Down Partnership of Schools (who will be adjacent to iCollege) to manage the move and ensure it goes smoothly for pupils, parents, school staff and the wider community.

Alok Sharma said:

“I am delighted that West Berkshire Council is investing in alternative education provision and funding a new learning centre on the iCollege site in Calcot in my constituency.”

Speaking about the improvements Councillor Dominic Boeck, Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education said: 

“We want all young people to reach their full potential, and the iCollege is fundamental in helping children who can’t access mainstream schools to do just that. This new facility will really help them on their journey and I’m delighted to see it taking shape. It will improve morale, help us retain and attract staff and maintain the iCollege’s high attainment standards.”

To find out more about iCollege visit: www.icollege.org.uk

To find out more about the redevelopment of the iCollege site, and temporary relocation to Thatcham visit: www.westberks.gov.uk/article/40424/iCollege-Investing-in-alternative-provision.