Gilbert Ward Academy has been up and running since September and has now opened its new building in Blyth to pupils after being handed the keys by contractors last month.
The school currently has 29 pupils with the capacity to grow to 80 once more staff have been recruited, which is expected by the end of next year. It is part of Prosper Learning Trust and will host pupils from all over Northumberland.
Teaching at the school is focused on social and emotional development as well as academics, with positive behaviour support a key element that makes Gilbert Ward different from mainstream schools.
Facilities at the school include a food technology room, a science lab, and an art studio. There is also an indoor sports hall and a multi-use games area outdoors.
Named after the doctor that established Blyth’s first public medical services, the new school is located at the former site of Princess Louise First School, which was demolished in 2016.
Gilbert Ward Academy was built by the Department for Education with a capital contribution from the Northumberland County Council after the local authority bid for government funds.
Cabinet member for education, Cllr Guy Renner-Thompson, said Gilbert Ward Academy was “one cog in our machine” for improving provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
He said: “We are pretty much unique in the North East, if not in the country, of a local authority spending that amount of money on schools. School building is a big chunk of our capital programme.
“Congratulations to everyone who has been involved in the project. It is absolutely phenomenal.”
Picture from left, Chris Richardson, Joanne Clifford Swan, Barry Reed, Cllr Guy Renner-Thompson, and Cllr Anna Watson. (Photo by Prosper Learning Trust)
