School for more than 1,400 pupils on site of former Rugeley Power Station gets Government backing
A school for more than 1,400 pupils proposed on the site of the former Rugeley Power Station has been handed Government funding.
The free school, proposed to be built on the Engie site, will open in September 2023 and will eventually cater to 1,400 pupils and a nursery.
The all-through school will be run by the John Taylor Multi Academy Trust (JTMAT) and will be open to nursery, reception and Year 7 pupils in 2023.
It forms part of Engie's development of 2,300 homes and up to 12.36 acres of employment space which has received outline planning approval.
JTMAT CEO Mike Donoghue said: "We are naturally excited and extremely proud to have been given the responsibility to lead the new school at Rugeley.
"With a growing trust that currently comprises many local good and outstanding primary and secondary schools, and a track record of successfully delivering a large free school, we felt that we were well-placed to offer an exciting, high quality, and innovative offer to the children and families in the area.
"Focused on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) from nursery through to Sixth Form, we will do all that we can to make this school outstanding and stand out. I’m delighted that, after a rigorous application and interview process, the selection panel agreed.
"Now the work begins in earnest to fulfil our vision to create the best school we possibly can. The application was very much a team effort, and so will be our work to deliver the school to the community.
"We look forward to working alongside our partner organisations to make all this happen. We couldn’t be more thrilled."
'Exciting'
Free schools are state-funded, non-profit schools which can be set up and run by teachers, parents and community groups in response to demands for better education provision.
Mark Dolling, director of education and public sector capital programmes at Engie UK and Ireland, said: "Engie is delighted to be working with JTMAT and other stakeholders in leading the design and delivery of this new school.
"This is an extremely exciting project for all involved – we are not only providing a new, highly sustainable school that will sit at the heart of a new low carbon community; but we are paving the way for the education sector more broadly.
"Schools can play an integral part in leading the transition to zero carbon and this new school, alongside the wider development, will offer a sustainable place for people to live, work and learn.
"We passionately believe the scheme will act as an exemplar in placemaking."
The school is one of 21 Government-approved new free schools that will give parents greater choice of schools in underperforming areas.
Councillor Philip White, cabinet member for economy and skills at Staffordshire County Council, said it would be the first all-through school built in Staffordshire.
He said: "I am very pleased that John Taylor Multi Academy Trust are ready to take on this challenge, and create a school that really sits at the heart of the local community.
Skills
"JTMAT has a proven track record in delivering high-quality education, and an understanding of the challenges that can be faced in developing a brand new school.
"The new school will support the future need for school places for a growing community and will increase choice and diversity for families. We look forward to working with them on this project."
Amanda Milling MP, who represents the area, added: "This is great news for Rugeley and I look forward to seeing the school take in its first pupils.
"The redevelopment of the power station site is the perfect place to build a school that will ensure that future generations leave school with a wide range of skills and a good education.
"I am also delighted the school will be the first all-through school in the county and offer a seamless education path for children from a very young age until they are ready to go to university, further education or enter the world of work.
"Since being elected I have worked hard to help improve education and employment opportunities.
"I have no doubt that this new school will provide students across Cannock Chase the necessary skills to get on in life."
