Megan’s plea to find school place is over (From Essex County Standard)

Megan’s plea to find school place is over

4:00pm Saturday 16th June 2012 in News By Will Lodge

Megan Richards

A TEENAGER desperate to find a school place has returned to the classroom.

Megan Richards, 15, had been home educated for a year after withdrawing from Thurstable School, in Tiptree, as she suffered from depression.

Year 10 pupil Megan, of Keeble Close, Tiptree, was keen to return to school in preparation for her GCSEs next year, but was struggling to find a place as many schools were full.

Education bosses at Essex County Council stepped in after we reported her plight last month and she sent a personal letter begging for a school place.

Fortunately, she was offered a place at Alderman Blaxill School, in Paxman Avenue, Colchester, and resumed her studies with a mock maths exam on Monday. Megan said: “When mum showed me the letter I had to read it twice, and when it sank in, I threw my arms up in the air in celebration. I was so excited.

“It is quite different as it’s a much smaller school, but everyone is really friendly.

“It’s been great to get back into the swing of things again, and I’m glad people took notice of my letter asking for a place.

“My plans are now back on track to become a lawyer.”

Mum Donna said: “I was just overjoyed for Megan when she was offered a place.

“It meant I knew she could do her exams, which was the main issue.

“When I dropped her off for her first day, I was over the moon. It was wonderful.

“We bought her school uniform, which Megan tried on several times. She was up at 6am on her first day, and spent all of half term revising for the maths exam as it’s not her strongest subject.

“The headteacher is brilliant, so understanding, and everyone, staff and pupils alike, have been so friendly and asking if she needs help with anything.”

County councillor Stephen Castle, responsible for education, said: “Megan is a great example of a student with a desire for education and learning. We are happy with the support from the council and the school, Megan will be able to continue and complete her studies. We wish her the best for the future.”