 In June 2013, the group secured the backing of local MP, Sir Eric Pickles who said "The lack of a secondary school in Ongar has been an issue for parents and youngsters in the town for many years.With the development which has taken place in and around Ongar recently, there is a convincing argument in favour of a new school in the town which will serve the needs of the local population".In August 2013, the project was accepted onto the New Schools Network charity's Development Programme which provides groups with help needed to develop free school applications, securing both consultancy and financial support for marketing activities.