Langley Mill Academy pupils celebrate new buildings funding boost

October 14, 2019

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A ceremony marking the official opening of new teaching facilities for pupils at a Langley Mill school has been held today – October 14th 2019.

 

Three classrooms have been built at Langley Mill Academy, on Bailey Brook Crescent, following a £835,000 cash injection from Derbyshire County Council.

 

The funding, from the Council’s Children’s Services Capital Programme 2018/19, has been given to help the academy meet the high local demand for school places.

 

Fiona Cook, Headteacher of Langley Mill Academy, said: “It’s fantastic to celebrate the official opening of our brand new classrooms, which mean that we are able to offer more school places to our local community.”

 

She added: “We know what a difference it makes to pupils, and their families, when they can attend a local school and I’d like to thank Derbyshire County Council for their support.”

 

The new classrooms, which also include a cloakroom and toilets, are connected via a canopy to the main building. The expansion is part of the council’s continuing efforts to provide sufficient school places across the county.

 

The academy, which has 260 pupils aged 7 to 11-years-old on roll, previously had an annual intake of 70 pupils. This increased to 90 pupils a year from September 2019.

 

Staff, pupils, local headteachers, and Nigel Mills MP and Councillor Robert Parkinson, Derbyshire County Council Civic Chairman, took part in the official opening on October 14th.

 

Guests and pupils, including the oldest and youngest, marked the occasion by unveiling a plaque. Representatives from Djanogly Learning Trust, which sponsors Langley Mill Academy, also attended.

 

Councillor Alex Dale, Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Young People, said: “We were very pleased to approve this funding and work with the school and the Trust to develop and build three new classrooms at Langley Mill Academy where there was a clear need to expand to create additional school places.”

 

He added: “It’s very important that every child is given the best opportunity to achieve their full potential and part of that is about ensuring they have a good school environment with good facilities and the best possible classrooms they can learn and thrive in. Schools have a firm place at the hearts of our communities so improvements like these have benefits for everyone.”

 

Pupil Faith Wong, aged 7, said: “I like the new classrooms. I think they are small, beautiful and good. I like learning in there. All the teachers are really nice.”

 

Pupil Jake Wardle, aged 11, said: “After going back to school after the six-week holidays, I was excited to use the new building. It is stunning and amazing. When I first saw it, I was so excited for the year ahead.  Langley Mill Academy is a great school to be a part of. The teachers and staff are kind and respectful. I really like this school, it is a fun place.”

 

Jake’s mum Sharon Wardle added: “The new facilities are very impressive. I had a look round during the Year 6 parent consultations. We are very pleased Jake has had the opportunity to use the new building in his last year at Langley Mill Academy.”

 

She added: “The school is a great environment for children. Jake has been very happy and settled here. I would recommend Langley Mill Academy to any parents – the education, learning and support have been brilliant.”

 

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet approved the funding decision on July 26th 2018. The building work started in February 2019 and was completed in August 2019.

 

Liz Anderson, Chief Executive Officer of Djanogly Learning Trust, commented: “It’s great to see Langley Mill Academy thriving and providing the children in its care with the opportunity to succeed.”

 

Djanogly Learning Trust has a strong track record for raising aspirations and achievement and runs several successful primary and secondary schools in the region

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