The face of post-secondary education in Ealing as we know it looks set to change for good.
The Government is trumpeting its new diplomas for 14 to 19-year-olds, which launch in the new school term and herald a shift towards practical alternatives for young people preparing themselves for employment.
But as more teenagers than ever shun A-levels, what are the long-term issues for this next phase of education?
What will happen to the young people who hit the ground running only to find later on that their jobs are in jeopardy, or discover that they need more qualifications?
Hard questions need to be asked so that this scheme does not lead to frustration and disappointment.
Dickens Yard
THE ongoing saga of Dickens Yard has taken a new twist after century-old planning rules emerged which might scupper the scheme.
The site behind Ealing Town Hall, earmarked for 700 flats, is covered by covenants dating back to Victorian times which give detailed instructions on how the land can be used.
Campaigners are citing the covenant as a decisive factor in the case against development.
But Ealing Council has countered by saying the covenant will not prevent the project.
The saga goes on.
