Students at the newest member of the Cockburn MAT community are excited to move into their brand new building in September 2023.
Cockburn Laurence Calvert Academy, named after a former Cockburn student awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery in WW1, opened in September 2021 and is currently in temporary accommodation opposite the St George’s Medical Centre in Middleton.
The new building is being built on the site of the former LCC Highways offices. The main access to the academy for visitors and deliveries is from Middleton Ring Road. A staff car park will be accessed from Acre Road.
Cockburn Laurence Calvert Academy has an admission number of 210 per year group and the full capacity of the academy will be 1050 students across Years 7-11. The first cohort of Year 7 and Year 8 students have been the founding members of the academy, creating a real family feel.
The new multi-million pound building will feature state-of-the-art teaching and sports facilities. As well as their modern classrooms, there will be specialist subject specific rooms across a range of subjects including drama and dance studios, science labs, ICT suites, Design and Technology workshops and a large hall/theatre.
Building company Algeco, based in East Yorkshire, is using its steel frame modular solution. A total of 192 modules will be supplied along with a hybrid build for the sports hall areas. The works involve construction of the whole school block and associated external works.
Executive Headteacher, David Gurney, said:
“Building an academy from scratch is a rare opportunity and Cockburn Multi-academy trust has already brought its tried and tested track record of excellence to Cockburn Laurence Calvert Academy. There continues to be a high demand for places across all three secondary academies within Cockburn Multi-academy trust which are all now over-subscribed. I am extremely proud that all of the families in south Leeds will be able to access an excellent secondary education for their children.
“The new Cockburn Laurence Calvert Academy building will be at the heart of the community for both current and future generations and a superb environment in which to learn as well as providing the community with facilities outside of the school day.”
Head of School, Victoria Smith, said:
“Our students and staff are excited to see their new building near its completion and they cannot wait to move in from September. From then, we will have three full year groups accessing high quality education in a fabulous building. Excellent teaching and excellent facilities are crucial to ensuring excellent outcomes for every child. I feel privileged as we continue on our amazing journey of ‘Transformation to Excellence’.”
This post is based on a press release issued by Cockburn Multi-academy Trust
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