Green light for Academy
Cabinet members at Warwickshire County Council have agreed the proposal for the county’s flagship Academy in Nuneaton, which will replace Alderman Smith and Manor Park schools.
This decision (taken on Thursday 26 November) follows a six week public consultation where stakeholders including students, staff, parents and residents were invited to put forward their views. Eighty two written responses were received to the proposals.
The Academy, which is supported by the Government’s Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF), and sponsored by ‘outstanding’ North Warwickshire & Hinckley College, will be developed on the current Alderman Smith school site.
It will open next September in existing buildings and the creation of the brand new school building, equipped with first rate facilities, is scheduled to be completed by September 2013. The Academy will deliver a high quality and inspirational learning experience to raise standards, nurture talent and transform lives.
Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Warwickshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families, says: “This is without doubt the very best decision for education in Nuneaton and is a hugely exciting development for the town, delivering millions of pounds of investment in young people’s education.
"The Academy proposal was put forward with the aim of raising educational standards, improving school buildings and dealing with surplus places in Nuneaton and now we can move forward and make the proposal a reality.”
Marion Plant, Principal and Chief Executive at North Warwickshire & Hinckley College says: “I am delighted we have been given the opportunity to create the new Academy, which will make a real difference to so many young people in Nuneaton.
"It will provide a truly excellent educational experience that caters for students individual learning needs and encourages each and every one to excel through an innovative curriculum and inspirational teaching.
“Now the proposal has been agreed, long awaited decisions can now start to be taken and wherever possible we would like to work with the schools and wider communities to ensure those who would like to can play a valuable role in creating the flagship Academy.
"Over the next few weeks more information will become available about how to get involved in a number of activities including questionnaires and focus groups. I am confident that together we can create a new school that exceeds expectations and enables our young people to enjoy a fantastic education.”