£31m Plan Go Ahead for Academy Building - December 2009 

"This is the most exiting commitment for secondary education in the Rother Valley in over 300 years."  Dr J Vitagliano, Principal

West Sussex County Council’s business case for new buildings and facilities at Midhurst Rother College has been approved by the Government’s Partnership for Schools.  The decision will mean £31 million worth of capital funding support towards the cost of design and construction work. 

The proposals include a new access from the Academy to North Street and a school bus interchange facility to improve pupil safety and reduce congestion at the end of the school day. 

It is planned that the new buildings will be completed for the start of the Autumn Term in 2012.  

Peter Griffiths, West Sussex Cabinet Member for Education and Schools, said: “I am delighted our business case has been accepted. This very significant investment will benefit young people from the Rother Valley for generations to come.” 

Joe Vitagliano, the Academy’s Principal, said: “"This is wonderful news for the Midhurst and Petworth area.  We have had an excellent first twelve months establishing Midhurst Rother College and now this announcement gives us even more confidence in our mission of ensuring every student is free to achieve, belong and contribute.  

The funding approval of £31 million is the most bold and exciting commitment to secondary education in the Rother Valley in over 300 years and reflects the hard work of West Sussex County Council, Partnerships for Schools and ULT. I would like to thank all those involved in this important process."