Former Capita chairman and The MJ columnist, Rod Aldridge, has launched plans for a second academy school. Mr Aldridge, who already sponsors an academy in Blackburn with Darwen, has submitted plans to Brighton and Hove City Council for outline planning permission for a new academy to replace the existing Falmer High School. The Hove-born former Capita chairman grew up in East Sussex, and previously worked for the council. ‘I think the school has done a good job,' he told The MJ. ‘I just think an academy will lift the area. It can give people the opportunity to go and do better things. I see it as a community asset.' Mr Aldridge said he was involved in plans to turn the school into an academy in 2001, which fell through, and he welcomed the opportunity to play sponsor this time round. ‘I'm passionate about giving young people the chance to maximise their potential, particularly in the areas of business and entrepreneurship and through voluntary work,' he said. ‘It's a great privilege to be offered the chance to be involved in a project like this.'
