Bradford College

Government Approves Academy

The Government’s Department for Children, Schools and Families has formally approved the development of the Bradford College-sponsored Appleton Academy.

The approval follows the successful completion of the feasibility stage of the Appleton Academy project, which involved stakeholder consultations and the appointment of the Academy’s Principal Designate; Dwayne Saxton, current Head of Wyke Manor.

The next stage of the project will focus on implementation and will involve the establishment of a governing body, appointment of staff and development of the curriculum.

The creation of the Appleton Academy will replace Wyke Manor School and High Fernley Primary School with a new 3 -16 all-through Academy providing an exciting and inspirational learning environment. The new school will open in existing buildings in 2009 and move into its new accommodation by September 2011.

The Appleton Academy -  named after Sir Edward Appleton, a Nobel Prize winning scientist who both studied and worked at Bradford College, will specialise in Science and Sport. Bradford College has a track record in Science stretching back 175 years and has recently made significant investments in sports facilities and partnerships, which will enhance the Academy’s curriculum.

A formal expression of interest submitted by Bradford College to be the sponsor for the new Appleton Academy was approved by Department for Children, Schools and Families in July 2008.

Commenting on the Academy, Kath Oldale, Bradford College’s Executive Director of Performance Management, said: “We’re delighted that we have now received formal approval for the development of the Appleton Academy. We’re now looking forward to working together with staff, pupils and their families and the community to create an Academy that Wyke will be proud of."

Kath continued:  "We envisage that we will build a state of the art building to house the Academy which will provide a highly motivational and aspirational environment to learn and work in and ultimately bring about an improvement in the standards of achievement for young people and the regeneration of the Wyke Community.”