Students returned from their Christmas break to their first day at the new Dukeries Academy on Monday.
At the launch of Dukeries Academy were, left to right, director of the Academy Transformation Trust Mr Ian Cleland, chairman of governors Mrs Stella Smedley, and principal Mr Danny Smith. (070113JT1-34)
A day of inspirational activities was held to mark the Dukeries College’s official change to academy status.
The Dukeries is partnered with the Academy Transformation Trust (ATT) to be an academy. The private sector sponsor has provided set-up costs and will have a major say in the running of the school.
The school’s chairman of governors, Mrs Stella Smedley, said the change was the start of another new journey for the school.
She said: “Dukeries has had several new journeys and every time we take a new journey it’s better than the time before.
“This is a unique school and becoming an academy is going to enhance that and improve the things we already do here very well and give us that little bit extra.
“Dukeries never stands still.”
School principal Mr Danny Smith said he was delighted with the change.
He said: “It has been five years in the making but I am confident that the Dukeries has found an ideal partner in ATT and together we are going to move on to great successes.”
The director of Academy Transformation Trust, Mr Ian Cleland, said he was pleased the Dukeries had chosen to work with the company.
He said: “One of the things that really brought us to this school is the way it is set as a model of a school in its community.
“What it has provided here should be a model for the rest of the country.”
On Monday, students took part in motivational activities, including a visit by Nottingham Trent University lecturers.
A plaque marking the occasion was unveiled by Mrs Smedley and Mr Cleland in the school’s reception area.
