Last week, Julian visited The Skipton Academy for their grand opening. The Academy's multi-million pound renovation and refurbishment project was completed on Friday- Julian visited to celebrate the handover of buildings and cut the ribbon to officially open them.
Julian toured the school and saw much of the completed building works. This included renovations to the historic “house block”, once the home of the Dewhurst family and a grade two listed building which has secured the fabric of the buildings for the next generation. In addition, there have been modernisations to all other areas of the school including the Science and Gym blocks.
Julian held discussions with the Principal Richard McManus and Helen Williams, CEO of Moorlands Learning Trust, about how teaching has been over the course of the pandemic and the school’s recent progress, including the significant rise in school numbers, the achievements of pupils and plans for the terms ahead.
Afterwards, Julian held a question and answer session with student representatives. Amongst the topics of discussion were the environment, climate change, the vaccine rollout, future career paths and local job opportunities.
At the symbolic cutting of the ribbon Julian said 'It was great to visit Skipton Academy to celebrate, and see the results of the completed building works after a year and a half, which has been difficult for students. I am glad to see students back in the classroom and with a record number of students joining Year 7, these refurbished and modernised buildings provide spaces that will help students achieve their true potential. I wish Skipton Academy the best of luck for the term and year ahead'.
