Time capsule buriedat academy opening

Placed inside were students’ hopes and aspirations for the academy, which has been created from an amalgamation of the town’s two comprehensive schools, Henry Mellish and River Leen.

The long-awaited opening was performed by Bulwell’s Labour MP, Graham Allen, who cut a ceremonial ribbon.

For the time being, pupils will continue their lessons at the Mellish site off Highbury Road and at the River Leen campus off Hucknall Lane.

Work will continue on a purpose-built, state-of-the-art home for the academy off Hucknall Lane. This is scheduled to be completed by next September.

Academy principal is Graham Roberts, who was formerly head teacher at Henry Mellish. He said: “I’m delighted we have now reached the opening stage.

“We want Bulwell Academy to be very much a school for the whole of Bulwell.”

Currently there are 900 pupils at the academy with plans for this to increase to about 1,300.

The school will also feature a sixth form – the first in the history of Bulwell.

The academy will specialise in business and enterprise. Link-ups with local businesses are already being forged.

Playing a key role in this are the academy’s chief sponsors, education foundation Edge.

Mr Roberts has praised the “drive” shown by the organisation in getting the academy up and running.

During the summer, work has also seen the former Mellish and River Leen campuses redecorated.

"A lot of work has gone into setting up the academy," said Mr Roberts. "But we have got there now. I was quite nervous on the first morning but everything has gone fine."

Mr Allen said: “It was a tremendous sense of satisfaction to cut the ribbon. This has been a very long grind since the original idea that young people in Bulwell deserve the best to be able to achieve the same as other kids.

“It was tremendous to see them going round the school in their new uniforms. They had their chests puffed out and quite rightly. It looks to me that they are very proud of their school.

“A great team of people have been involved, led by principal Graham Roberts, who has been with this all the way.

“There have been difficulties along the way but there has always been a great spirit and determination. The academy is going to pay massive dividends.

“The commitment of Edge has also been fantastic. They haven’t blinked throughout the whole project.”

n OUR PHOTO shows Mr Allen cutting the ribbon, flanked by Mr Roberts (right) and the chairman of the academy governors, Peter Mitchell – DISPIC 09-2278-1.