Academy excited at 'new beginning'
The re-opening today of the former Unity College in Northampton, under its new guise as the Malcolm Arnold Academy, represents the chance for a "new beginning", its headteacher has said.
Pupils will begin to return to the school, in Trinity Avenue, today with year seven and sixth form pupils the first through the doors, ahead of the rest of the school, which will return on Monday.
The past week has seen final preparations put in place and the school 900 pupils measured and fitted with new school uniforms, which include navy blue blazers with gold trim and matching ties or cravats.
Speaking to the Chronicle & Echo ahead of the first day back, the school's new headteacher, Philip Cantwell, said it was an exciting time.
He said: "There's a new beginning here. The staff have spent this week getting everything prepared, undergoing training, looking at our new structures, including the introduction of our new pastoral system, and getting ready to make sure we induct the students effectively.
"We have also spent the last couple of days distributing uniforms so I've had the chance to meet the students as they have been coming in to get measured and have their new clothes fitted.
"Starting from scratch is very exciting and it's been lovely to see how excited the children are as they've tried on their new uniforms and modelled them for each other."
Mr Cantwell said year seven pupils and staff would meet first in St George's Avenue before entering the academy together for the first time to signal the start of a "new beginning".
He said: "There's a very positive feel and buzz around the place at the moment and it will be lovely to get the students in.
"We are looking very much to the future and are delighted to be here," he added. "The school's got immense potential to move forward very quickly and that's what we intend to do.
"Everyone here is very much on board and staff are working very positively."
Email to a friend
Print this page- BREAKING NEWS: Tributes paid to Niamh Curry as brave five-year-old loses battle against cancer
- BREAKING NEWS: Pensioner dies after collision at Northampton shopping centre
- Man tied to tree and beaten on Northampton Racecourse
- BREAKING NEWS: Seven-year-old boy dies following house fire in Northamptonshire
- Northampton binmen at ‘breaking point’
- Northampton binmen at ‘breaking point’
- Staff strike at Northampton school over academy plans forces closure
- Saints’ stadium plans get support as long as traffic issues solved
- Eastern European pupils helping school standards across Northampton
- Vow to crack down on anti-social behaviour across Northampton’s eastern district
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Northampton
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 21 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: East
