HEADTEACHERS in Felixstowe today welcomed the go-ahead for a �32 million “super school” for the resort and said it would bring huge benefits for students.

HEADTEACHERS in Felixstowe today welcomed the go-ahead for a �32 million “super school” for the resort and said it would bring huge benefits for students.

The decision was taken even though many people in the seaside town are against the project.

Of those who responded during the consultation, 300 of the 656 said they wanted to keep the current set-up of Deben and Orwell High schools. An Evening Star on-line poll showed even more wanted the status quo.

County councillors though have decided to press ahead with the project which will see both Deben and Orwell close and in their place the creation of a new single high school catering for 1,800 students aged 11 to 19.

It will open in September 2013 on the current site of Orwell on Maidstone Road.

Orwell High head Peter Tomkins said it was the best option for the future of education in Felixstowe.

He said: “Obviously I am very pleased it is the decision we wanted and is the best thing for education for students in Felixstowe.

“It is important we make sure as it develops in the future students are at the heart of the project.

“As a school we welcome the decision as being in the best interests of Felixstowe and the students of Felixstowe.”

Rob Cawley, head at Deben High, said: “We wanted one school and we are really pleased at the decision of the cabinet.

“It is an exciting project when you get �30million to build something brand new. It is really exciting.

“The decision gives us a real chance to have something really exciting to raise aspirations and push forward education in Felixstowe.”

Patricia O'Brien, portfolio holder for children, schools and young people's services, allayed fears that around 1,800 children would be educated in one building - instead announcing plans for a campus with up to four buildings to cater for different faculties and subject areas.

She said: “We want to help all young people to achieve the very best they can.

“Combining the resources of the two existing schools in new exciting surroundings will help them to achieve this.”

Do you agree with the super-school project? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk