Royal seal of approval for RSA Academy

The Duke of Edinburgh has officially opened a £35 million new school in the Black Country.

His Royal Highness flew in by helicopter with his aides to the RSA Academy in Bilston Road, Tipton, yesterday afternoon.

The prince, who is president of the RSA — Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts Manufacturers and Commerce— met head boy Aidan Smith and head girl Chloe Eglington, before he unveiled a circular plaque made of Welsh slate, embossed with the RSA logo in the school's hall. The plaque featured gold script saying the academy was opened by The Duke of Edinburgh.

"I want to acknowledge the initiative of the people behind the RSA who conceived this idea," he told the assembled crowd.

"I'd like to thank all the donors and the people and the architects who made this possible and who were confident in what their donations would achieve."

He then quipped: "I'm concerned about the flat roofs, though. I've never known a flat roof to be waterproof." Principal Mick Gernon led the Prince, West Midlands Lord Lieutenant Paul Sabapathy and governors, around the school including the training kitchen and the design and technology suite.

The tour included a biology lesson by science teacher Prashant Kundalia, and a meeting with budding DJs trialling a new school radio system, and post-16 pupils.

Principal Gernon said: "It's the second time the Prince has visited the school. As president of the RSA he has taken a keen interest in what we do. He is a very keen supporter of our innovative ideas."