I am dismayed that Councillor Rachel Fryer continues to give incorrect information regarding the proposed academy at Falmer (Letters, September 15).

Ten thousand newsletters have already been distributed to every household in the area. In addition, all the parents of pupils at Falmer High School have received this newsletter together with one from the headteacher, Stuart McLaughlin, supporting the academy.

The “feeder” primary schools have received more than 2,000 newsletters which they have distributed to their parents. Posters, banner stands and the statutory notice are displayed in more than 15 locations.

In response to Coun Fryer’s further inaccurate assertions:

  • The academy will have a double height sports hall, large enough for six badminton courts, plus a central assembly area which can accommodate all 1,150 pupils.
  • The school will be administered by a charitable trust and have a governing body which will include representatives from parents, students, staff, the local authority and the community.
  • All staff, both teaching and non-teaching, will transfer to the academy on their existing terms and conditions with three years of pay protection.
  • The comment that pupils will be subject to biometric fingerprinting is nonsense.

One needs to ask why Coun Fryer and the Green Party do not support this major investment in this area of the city, and the first-class educational opportunities that will be available to the students.

Vanessa Brown, cabinet member for children and young people, Brighton and Hove City Council