Ambitious plans to build York’s first brand new for years are well advanced.
The Creative Arts Academy York will be a new primary school with music and performance at the centre of its curriculum.
It will be “innovative and different”, and run by York-based Ebor Academy Trust, the group behind seven schools across Yorkshire, including Haxby Road and Robert Wilkinson primary schools in York. Park Grove and Hob Moor are among the city’s other schools joining soon.
The Government gave it the go-ahead and pledged funding last year. Now a site has been found, although the location has not yet been revealed.
They hope to announce the details in the spring, once all the legal formalities are completed. At the same time the opening date of the school will be announced, expected to be some time in 2018.
Meanwhile the team who will shape its future – the shadow board of governors – are now in place.
‘For the whole of York’
That will include dance, music, drama and performance.
For older children there will be an extended school day to fit in what normally would be extra-curricular paid-for activities.
To open with Reception year only
Will build year on year
Will have 420 pupils when full
Age range: 5- 11 years
Ebor’s chief executive Richard Ludlow said: “Our vision for an innovative and different kind of primary school is starting to take shape and I am excited by the breadth of experience on which we can draw in the governance and leadership of the new school.”
The nine shadow governors have experience in education and the creative arts locally, nationally and internationally.
“The school will be for the whole of York,” added Mr Ludlow.