The Middleton secondary school’s new multi-million-pound building features state-of-the-art teaching facilities and sports facilities.
As well as their modern classrooms, there are 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.
Students are excited to have moved into their brand-new building. Cockburn Laurence Calvert Academy, named after former Cockburn student, awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery in WW1, opened in September 2021 and was housed in temporary accommodation opposite the St George’s Medical Centre in Middleton.
The new building has been 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 is 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 by September 2025. The first cohorts of students, now in Year 8 and Year 9 were the founding members of the academy, creating a real family feel and now they have welcomed a new cohort of Year 7 students.
Building company Algeco, based in East Yorkshire, used its steel frame modular solution. A total of 192 modules were supplied along with a hybrid build for the sports hall areas. The works involved 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 is 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 so excited to be in their new building. We 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’.”
One of the Year 9 students said:
“I cannot believe how amazing our new building is! We have lockers, a massive dining hall, brand new classrooms, and the room we need to grow and succeed.”
A Year 8 student said:
“We are all so excited. Walking into our new school on the first day of term felt like a dream come true. We are very proud of what we achieved in our temporary building and can now look forward to the next stage of our education in this brilliant school.”
This post is based on a press release issued by Cockburn Laurence Calvert Academy
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