Academy receives the green light

Blackburn with Darwen Council and The Aldridge Foundation can now press on with the proposed academy in Darwen, on the existing site at Redearth Road that has already received full planning permission, after being given the go-ahead for using the Redeath site following a Public Inquiry ruling.

Councillor Colin Rigby, Leader of the Council, said: “This is good news for Darwen. Having a state of the art school on their doorstep will be welcomed by Darwen families. The academy will also give a boost to businesses in Darwen town centre. I would like to thank Rod Aldridge for his sponsorship of the academy.

“Following on from this ruling a submission can be put to Ministers at the Department for Children, Families and Schools to sign the agreements required to enable the Academy to proceed to the implementation phase therefore securing the funding required for this Academy. The availability of the Redearth Site was a significant element to this submission.”

Rod Aldridge said: “I have always been committed to the Darwen Academy project and believe that it offers the best chance many young people will have to equip themselves with the skills necessary to overcome the obstacles life often throws at them. Through The Aldridge Foundation, I am able to put something back into the local community and help show people that with the right support behind them, they will gainthe ambition and ability to succeed. .

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for us to make a real difference to Darwen both in terms of education and regeneration of the community as a whole. I hope that people will join me in doing all they can to support this project and help us deliver a centre of excellence all stakeholders will be proud of.” 
The Aldridge Foundation and the Council hope that the academy can open in Darwen by September 2008. 
Councillor Chris Thayne, executive member for children’s services said: ““These are exciting times for Darwen. With the help of the Aldridge Foundation and the Government’s Department for Children, Families and Schools, we will be able to deliver a new secondary school with the sixth form families have been asking for”.
Councillor Kate Hollern, leader of the opposition welcomed the decision:
“I am delighted with this news. This Academy will transform secondary education in Darwen and the surrounding area. Now the waiting is over and the uncertainty has ended, we can all look forward in anticipation to what is set to be a first class educational establishment offering children in Darwen all the support they need to thrive as well as regenerating a key part of Darwen town centre.

Brendan Loughran, Principal Designate said:

“This is very encouraging news, and should provide a degree of confidence for the students, families and staff at Darwen Moorland High School, along with other interested parties, that the academy is a step closer to becoming a reality. In particular, this will reassure those parents who are currently considering applying for a school place for their child in September 2008.”

For further information please contact Marc Schmid, communications and marketing manager on (01254) 585480 or 07736008380