Our new academy is open!

Excited pupils, staff and families started a new chapter at our school on Sunningdale in the village.

We will move into our permanent building after October half term. The temporary accommodation is excellent and it was lovely to hear parents' positive feedback on the first day.

Executive Principal (Primary) Andrew Clark has spearheaded the Trust's involvement from day one. Scartho Gateway Academy opened on the same day.

"The openings mark the culmination of an enormous amount of work from a team of dedicated people," he said.

"It has actually been quite emotional seeing the children and their families walk into the new schools.

"Only 12 months ago, they were plans and now we have opened the Trust’s 10th and 11th academies.

"We have appointed two terrific Principals in Mel Portlock at Scartho and Lindsay Holness at Waltham.

"They have been relentless over the past few months since being appointed in ensuring the children who come to these schools will have exciting, enriching curriculums taught by first class teaching teams."

Lindsay was on the gate to greet every child and parent.

"It’s been incredible," she said. "All the children have come in happily and settled quickly.

"Parents were reassured as soon as they saw the quality of the temporary classrooms.

"I am so proud of the whole staff team, and the dedication and work ethic they have shown to get us to this point."

LGAT's Chief Executive Officer Martin Brown thanked the council for its partnership approach.

"It has been a complex and, at times, challenging project for everyone involved but today makes it all worthwhile," he said.

"I would like to pay tribute to Andy Clark and the many Trust colleagues who have driven this project forward to ensure we open both academies on schedule today.

"We're grateful to council officers for their approach and support. The result of all the hard work are two academies that I know will be at the heart of their communities in Waltham and Scartho."

Councillor Margaret Cracknell, portfolio holder for children and education, sent her best wishes to the staff and pupils at both schools ahead of the first day.

She said: "It's marvellous to see these schools open and students at both sites starting their journeys, learning new things and developing new relationships with teachers and other pupils.

This really is a day that they'll remember for a long time, as will we.

"I'd like to wish the staff and students all the best as they start their new school.

"I’ve been really impressed with the new buildings and know that the children will not just enjoy their time there but will thrive."

The schools are the first to be built in North East Lincolnshire in decades, offering much-needed places for children aged four to 11.

The sites have capacity for 210 children each, plus specialist provision for 12 students with special educational needs and disabilities.