A SIXTH Form College in Harlow is to be demolished and replaced by a new building, an MP has announced.

The £29million Sir Frederick Gibberd College opened its doors in September 2019 to its first cohort of Year 7 pupils.

Just over four years later, Harlow MP Robert Halfon has shared a statement on social media announcing the building will be demolished.

He added: “Pupils and staff will be able to enjoy a brand new, and fully functional school building.”

A one-hour parent meeting took place on Thursday, November 30 with minister for school systems Baroness Barran, Mr Halfon, representatives from Harlow and Essex County Council, and Helena Mills.

A technical survey conducted in April revealed structural safety concerns with the main building and sports hall.

In August, the main building and sports hall were forced to close with immediate effect just over two weeks before the start of term after technical consultants identified “structural irregularities.”

Mr Halfon added: “I am grateful to the Department for Education, the Minister and the team of officials for listening to our concerns, and my representations on parents’ behalf as the local MP.

“No parent, carer, pupil, member of staff, or the wider school community should have to experience the disruption caused by the situation at Sir Frederick Gibberd - and I am sorry that they have had to endure this.”

Passionate parents were quick to make their feelings known in the comments under Mr Halfon’s social media post.

One said: “This certainly isn’t a positive for any of the children that currently attend the school, most of them won’t even be there by the time the new building is built! Such a disappointment.”

Another added: “This was not good news at all. The children at SFG at the moment will never be in a proper school. I felt they didn't answer the questions properly or clearly. Especially when asked who signed the school off I've got to say I was very disappointed. Just be honest.”

Burnt Mill Academy Trust has been approached for comment.