Keys handed over at new school

KEYS to a new school in Grimsby were formally handed over earlier today, as part of a short ceremony ahead of the start of the school year.

The primary school, situated in Scartho, will be run by Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust (LGAT) and opens on schedule on Monday.

Leaders from North East Lincolnshire Council and LGAT met onsite at Scartho Gateway Academy to formally exchange keys, following completion of works to the building.

The school, the first to be built in North East Lincolnshire in decades, will offer much-needed school places for children aged four to 11.

The site will offer 210 places for students, including specialist provision for 12 students with special educational needs and disabilities.

Jennifer Steel, North East Lincolnshire Council's Service Director for Education, Inclusion and Integration, said:

"I'm incredibly pleased that we have reached this significant milestone, handing over the keys to this fantastic new school.

"I know that the school will serve the communities well, and I'm confident that the site will enrich the lives of many children over the coming years.

"I'd like to wish the teams of teachers, staff, parents and children the very best of luck for the forthcoming academic year."

Waltham Gateway Academy on Sunningdale will also open on Monday and be run by LGAT.

Temporary accommodation will house children and staff before they transfer to their new building during October half term.

LGAT's Chief Executive Officer Martin Brown said everyone was looking forward to welcoming the children at both sites.

"We are excited to take possession of the Scartho building and can’t wait for the children to arrive on Monday," he said.

"Its opening will mark the end of a long project in collaboration with our partners at North East Lincolnshire Council but mark the beginning of a new chapter for families on Scartho Top.

"Under the stewardship of Executive Principal Andrew Clark and Principal Mel Portlock, supported by a first class staff team, I'm confident the academy will quickly establish itself at the heart of the community.

"We also have a terrific team, led by Principal Lindsay Holness, at Waltham Gateway Academy, which will also provide outstanding provision from Monday.

"They are looking forward to switching to their new build in just over six weeks."

Principal Mel Portlock, flanked by Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust's Chief Executive Officer Martin Brown (left) and Executive Principal (Primary) Andrew Clark outside the new school with the staff team, working today and over the weekend to ensure it's ready for Monday.

Scartho Gateway Academy and North East Lincolnshire Council staff who have been working hard to have the school ready in time. Front are (left to right) Executive Principal (Primary) Andrew Clark, North East Lincolnshire Council's Service Director for Education, Inclusion and Integration Jennifer Steel, Principal Mel Portlock, and Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust's Chief Executive Officer Martin Brown.