New secondary school building underway in West Bromwich
Work has started on building a new 750-place secondary school in the Black Country.
West Bromwich Collegiate Academy is being built on land off Kelvin Way, in West Bromwich.
The new school is set to open next September to 150 year seven pupils. Followed by another 150 pupils each year until the school gets to its full capacity.
The building will be built over three stories and includes 15 classrooms, specialist science rooms, a large hall, a library and a suite for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
The news has been welcomed by council bosses and the school's new headteacher who said its the first secondary school in West Bromwich.
Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust will run the West Bromwich school. They have a proven record of running an Ofsted rated 'Outstanding' high school in Smethwick, along with a number of primary schools in Sandwell.
Councillor Simon Hackett, Sandwell Council's cabinet member for children's services, said: "I am really excited about this new-build school. It will be the second high school to open in Sandwell in three years.
"There is no secondary school nearby so West Bromwich Collegiate Academy will mean local children won't have to travel as far to get to their nearest school."
George Faux, who has been appointed principal of West Bromwich Collegiate Academy, said: "We are delighted to be able to open a new academy for the community here in West Bromwich.
"The Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust have been dedicated to schools in Sandwell and the Black Country for many years and we will use all our expertise to bring the same outstanding education to WBCA.
"We look forward to welcoming our first students and families in September who will be right at the start of a special journey."
The building is being constructed by Interserve.
Simon Butler, divisional director at Interserve Construction, added: "This new facility represents another major investment into the future of young people in the area and the continuation of our relationship with Sandwell Council, which has successfully delivered numerous education projects in and around the borough.
"At Interserve we are committed to investing in the communities in which we live and work; and we will look to maximise local supply chain involvement as well as creating new jobs for local people.”
