It's lift-off for Hucknall's new Flying High Academy

Construction work is officially under way for a new school on the Rolls-Royce site in Hucknall after a £3.7 million investment by Nottinghamshire County Council.
Councillors and council officers join representatives of Flying High Academy to celebrate the start of work on the new school.Councillors and council officers join representatives of Flying High Academy to celebrate the start of work on the new school.
Councillors and council officers join representatives of Flying High Academy to celebrate the start of work on the new school.

To be known as the Hucknall Flying High Academy, the school will initially offer 210 places, with the option to extend this further to 315.

It will be situated within the Harrier Park development of 900 new homes on the site, off Watnall Road. Its design will take inspiration from surrounding listed buildings and Hucknall’s heritage.

The school will be operated by the Flying High Trust and is set to open in time for the school year of 2019-20.

Chris Wheatley, chief executive officer of Flying High, said: “We are delighted to be opening the school in Hucknall.

“This is an opportunity to be at the heart of a new community and to provide the best learning outcomes and experiences.

“We will ensure we make every day count for the children and families of Hucknall.

“With a state-of-the-art build, an outstanding head teacher and the proven track record of the Flying High Trust, the future is exciting.”

Coun Kay Cutts, leader of the county council, joined fellow councillors, council officers and representatives of Flying High at a turf-cutting ceremony at the site.

Coun Cutts said: “The new school is part of our priority to make the county a place where children and young people can go to good schools.

“We are working on plans for eight new schools across the county to reflect the pace of new home-building programmes, bringing new jobs and prosperity for people.”

The school is open for applications via the council’s website.

THE Flying High Trust already has strong links to the Hucknall area through the highly successful Hillside Primary and Nursery School, and is keen to bolster thoses ties.

The head teacher of the new Flying High Academy will be Karl Clowery, who said: “My approach to education focuses on ensuring children receive the best education and are supported to be independent, with a lifelong love of learning.

“Our curriculum will be centred on enabling every child to fulfil their potential, based on creativity, enjoyment and a determination to be the best they can be.”