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Bluecoat Academy Primary officially opened by the Archbishop of York
Bluecoat Academy Primary, Nottingham was officially opened and blessed by the Archbishop of York today.Our design for the 420-place school situated in Harvey Road, Bilborough is the first Church of England Primary school to be opened in Nottingham for more than 10 years. The school has 15 classrooms, a larger than usual hall (part funded by the diocese), spacious learning streets on both floors that provide break-out areas for smaller group or individual learning, a specialist unit for children with autism and a 26-place nursery.Delivered by Wates through the empa framework, the project has been one of true collaboration and we were delighted to be invited to and attend the official opening and dedication by The Most Reverend & Right Honourable Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop of York. The Archbishop talked about how Church of England schools were trying to change people’s views about them being a ‘one faith’ school:
Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop of York
“Parish churches will do weddings, funerals, etc. for anyone of any faith, and that’s what schools are doing. The fact there is a new school opening shows that parents are demanding it.
“I saw in the opening today children of all different backgrounds in the school. Who wouldn’t want to send their childrent to school where the ethos is first God, then neighbour, then you.”
The Archbishop of York is the most senior person of the church in the north of England, so was invited along to bless the school. He previously opened the Trust’s secondary school – Bluecoat Academy – in 2008.
Headteacher Sue-Ellen Shaw said,
“The school encourages all children to ‘strive for life in all its fullness’ (John 10:10)."
Sue-Ellen Shaw, Headteacher of Bluecoat Academy Primary
“We want to thank the Archbishop for carrying us forward in one direction. Today has been a memorable day.”
For more on the story, visit the Nottingham Post
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