FAMILIES took a chance to air their concerns and find out more about the proposed new school for Portland.

A total of 70 parents spoke to the sponsors of the Portland Academy at the expected new site at Southwell Business Park with a mixture of those who remaining opposed, with others full of praise and backing the project.

Academy sponsors The Aldridge Foundation told how their newest academy in Bright-on has seen a 64 per cent rise in GCSE results for children.

And they promised that the input received at a series of consultations last week will impact on their decision-making as they continue to design all aspects of the school.

Mum Lisa Osborn was full of praise at the consultation on Saturday morning.

The 31-year-old, from Harbour View Road, Portland, said: “It’s amazing that the sponsors want to give their expertise to make our children’s education better.

“As a community we should work together to be more positive about it.”

Mrs Osborn’s two sons William and Oliver will go to the new academy if it is realised.

She said: “We are incredibly lucky to have people who care this much about our children’s education.”

Coralie Russell, 33, praised the sponsors for meeting with parents.

Mrs Russell, from Wakeham, said: “People don’t realise how many academies there are that are doing fantastically well.

“If they did they wouldn’t think it’s such a bad thing.

“I understand their worries but it won’t be toddlers mixing with 19-year-olds.

“They are trying to make it better for our children.”

Some parents arrived at the business park having been against the scheme but left saying they were now feeling positive.

But others said most people they know are still against the idea.

Jac Maltby, 53, has a 14-year-old son Jay, and believes her views have not been considered.

Mrs Maltby, of Weston Road, Portland, said: “We think it’s rubbish and 85 per cent of the people we know are against it.

“The headmaster won’t know any of the children’s names.

“I’m also worried about transport.”

Emily Masters, 28, from Furlands, said: “It’s in the back of nowhere here really.

“It should be more central.

“There’s not enough academies and they’ve not done enough research.”

Steve Day, 46, of Avalanche Road, Portland, added: “It’s a great idea but I’ve got concerns with the building.

“The original idea of a new building would’ve been ideal.”

THE chief executive of the charity behind the new Portland Academy said she hopes to see the new school offering a theatre and cinema for use by the whole community.

Honor Wilson-Fletcher met parents and said the school is being led by existing teachers and sees it being a place where children are happy and given the skills to thrive.

She said she fully understands people being concerned and is positive that the meetings are helping allay fears.

Ms Wilson-Fletcher said: “With the support of the community we think it’s going to be a European-standard school.”

The Aldridge Foundation specialises in entrepreneurship, sports and environmental science and promotes passion, determination, teamwork and creativity.

They want the school to be a catalyst for economic regeneration for the island by attracting new businesses and stimulating new enterprises.

Academy schools are independent state schools funded by the Government rather than local councils.

They are under the same checks and inspections as state schools. Dorset County Council will be a co-sponsor of the new academy but it will be outside their control.

The academy will include a sixth form for A-levels and vocational courses for children up to the age of 19. It could be open in September 2012 with new and refurbished buildings ready a year later.