Free school opening day

WARRINGTON’S new Free School – the King’s Leadership Academy – is to be officially opened today.
The opening ceremony is due to be carried out by Lord Hill, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Schools, the Government minister with special responsibility for Free Schools and Academies.
In fact the school, which caters for 11-18 year-olds and is, for the time being, located in two disused classrooms at Bruche Primary School, on Seymour Drive, is already open.
All pupils were met by Sir Iain Hall, associate director of the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust, head teacher Shane Ierston (pictured) and other members of staff.
Pupils were also presented with their school ties, bearing the school’s motto “Credium” – Latin for “We Believe.”
One parent, Mrs Jane Willington, of Padgate, emailed Warrington-Worldwide to say: “I would like to share with you my daughter’s first day ay at King’s Leadership Academy.
“On approach to the school it looks fantastic with all new signs and Sir Iain Hall waiting at the school gates.
“Sir Iain shook every single child’s hand and welcomed them to the academy. I would like to thank every single person/parent, teachers, principal and vice principle for bringing this new exciting school to Woolston.
“The children all looked so smart in their uniforms and the smiles told how proud they were to wear the uniform of King’s Leadership Academy. I have nothing but praise and respect for this venture. My daughter is so lucky to have been offered a place at this ground breaking new school in Woolston.
“The commitment of Sir Iain Hall and the teachers to get this school up and running has been boundless.
“I would urge any parent looking for a good high school, with committed teachers and principals, and an excellent curriculum to apply for this new school.”
The school has signed a two-year lease at Seymour Drive, where two classrooms have been extensively refurbished. After that it is hoped to move into a new, purpose-built school on land off Hillock Lane, Woolston.
The school has a strict dress code.
All pupils are expected to wear the school uniform, a black blazer with wine piping, worn with plain white shirts and a school tie.
Trousers and skirts will be a dark charcoal and will be worn with plain, black polished shoes.
Trainers and denims, “hoodies”, suede shoes,boots, make-up and jewellery are banned. Mobile phones will be allowed – but must be switched off during school hours and will be confiscated if used inappropriately.
The school’s first “leadership residential” will take place early in October, involving in an overnight stay at Brathay Leadership Centre in the Lake District.
It is hoped pupils will have time to take part in one land-based and one water based leadership activity.