Whitton will be the permanent home for Turing House School, the Russell Education Trust announced today.

The Education Funding Agency (EFA) is negotiating arrangements for the purchase of a site currently owned by Hounslow Borough, in Hospital Bridge Road.

An online petition against a Whitton location for the school, which currently has a temporary home at Livingstone House in Teddington and will have an intake of predominantly children from Teddington, has gained more than 1,600 signatures.

The school is still subject to planning permission and will consult on proposed admission arrangements for 2017 in December this year.

Richmond’s council cabinet member for schools, Paul Hodgins, said he recognised there had been a number of concerns about the school’s permanent location.

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

Hospital Bridge Road in Whitton

He said: “The EFA considered a number of possible sites, of which Hospital Bridge Road is the only practicable option. I would ask residents to understand that for all new schools, there are no easy sites left – particularly for large secondary schools. The school will come forward with proposed plans over the coming months and work with local residents to get them right.

He added: “One issue that must now be corrected is the published admissions policy beyond 2016. We did not agree with it when it was proposed, and it is now very clear that it is not right. It must be balanced and fair in serving both the community in which the school sits and the wider demand.

“I am pleased that they have responded to our objections and have agreed to re-consult later this year so that the policy can be changed. We will continue to represent residents on this issue, and will work with Turing over the next few months and during the consultation later this year.”

Headmaster Colin Mackinlay said he was looking forward to building relationships with the Whitton community, as the school had done in Teddington.

More to follow.

What is your opinion on Turing House’s permanent home? Contact the news desk on George.odling@london.newsquest.co.uk