Two schools to share former Wolverhampton Tarmac site
The mystery surrounding the location of a new free school in Wolverhampton has been solved - as it emerged two schools are to share the site of the former Tarmac premises in Millfields Road.
The Wolverhampton Vocational Training Centre (WVTC) and The British Sikh School will both occupy the 29-acre plot in Ettingshall from September 2016.
Last week, WVTC bosses said the school will open later this year at the former Timken Training premises in Upper Villiers Street, Blakenhall.
But now they have confirmed the move will only be a temporary measure, with the school set to relocate to Ettingshall on a permanent basis after its first year in operation.
The Central Learning Partnership Trust, which runs the WVTC, has confirmed it has entered into an official funding agreement with the DfE to allow the school to open.
Meanwhile, The British Sikh School will function from a temporary home at the former Parkfield High School on Wolverhampton Road East from September, before also moving to Millfields Road next year.
WVTC principal, Ben Gamble, said: "It's really exciting to be able to confirm our new permanent home in Ettingshall, which will provide an excellent educational resource.
"We are also looking forward to working closely with our new neighbours, The British Sikh School."
Over the next 18 months, the former Tarmac building will be extended and refurbished, with new classrooms created to allow the planned influx of up to 150 students across both schools.
A new sports hall and playing fields will also be constructed.
The schools say they plan to share resources once the site is up and running.
Raminder Vig, principal of The British Sikh School, confirmed that the DfE had entered into a funding agreement with The Khalsa Academies Trust, which is behind the school.
He added: "I'm delighted that The British Sikh School will be located at the Tarmac site in its second year of opening.
"Over the last few month we've recruited excellent teaching staff for all national curriculum subjects and acquisition of the Tarmac site means that we will also have a school building with state of the art facilities."
Wolverhampton South East MP Pat McFadden, said he was pleased the future of the Tarmac site had been clarified.
He said: "The Tarmac name has been associated with Bilston and Wolverhampton for many years as part of our industrial heritage.
"Now it will no longer be a headquarters for the firm, there has understandably been interest in what would happen with the site.
"There has been some confusion over the past week or so, but at least now we know the building is to have a productive use in the future."
