UCL Academy looks set to get Gove's green light

PLANS for the Swiss Cottage Academy were given the green light by Camden Council last night, despite the future of the scheme hanging in the balance. The government is currently considering whether to fund the new UCL Academy on Adelaide Road together wit

Education Secretary Michael Gove is set to give the go-ahead for the flagship Swiss Cottage academy this afternoon, the Ham&High understands.

The announcement would be a huge relief for UCL and Camden Council whose plans for the secondary school have been on ice since the coalition government scrapped much of the Building Schools for the Future programme.

The UCL academy was placed 'under discussion' while most other secondaries in the borough had their revamps cancelled.

Vice provost at UCL Michael Warton said: "We are expecting to be sent an email this afternoon at some point. I think the government are probably being very cautious about it and making sure everything is checked off. We are fairly confident and very positive about what we are doing."

If the academy gets the green light as expected it will be a double boost for the school after Camden Councillors sanctioned the building plans at a meeting on Thursday evening.

The meeting was held despite the government seemingly still considering whether to fund the new UCL Academy on Adelaide Road together with a rebuild of the Swiss Cottage special school and the refurbishment of South Camden Community School.

Swiss Cottage councillor Andrew Marshall said: "The plans got the go-ahead which is great news. There are obviously residents who are concerned about issues around construction and transport and I think it is very important that the community consultation group is set up and listened to.

"But generally this is brilliant news for Camden and we are all hoping we get the funding."

The decision means that if and when the government grant funding to the scheme plans will be in place so that building work can start.