Prince William: Darwen Academy is ‘ground-breaking’

His Royal Highness, Prince William, has described the Darwen Aldridge Community Academy as ground-breaking. Opening the Academy with Miss Catherine Middleton on 11th April, the Prince said: “It will transform the lives of families in Darwen and, through its example, countless others elsewhere.” After touring the building, the Prince said: “Everyone is so talented here.”

Welcoming them to the Academy, Principal Brendan Loughran said: “We are all fortunate to be able to come and work in this building every day. But what matters most is what goes on inside the building. It is an honour to be able to show you all the work we are doing to transform the standard of education here – not just for the students here today, but for the students who will be here tomorrow and in the years to come. We want all our students to aim high – and your visit today will help them aim even higher.”

During the visit, the couple met students and staff, visited the unique Entrepreneurship Bridge, the home of Darwen Creates, and enjoyed a dance workshop. They were formally invited to open the Academy by Head Boy and Girl John Meadowcroft and Zoe Harrison, who had earlier been interviewed for ITV. Student Jessica Dootson also received the Pegasus Award for creative writing from Miss Middleton. 

Chairman of The Aldridge Foundation, Rod Aldridge, concluded by inviting the couple back in ten years time to see the difference their visit had made. 

He said: “We have great ambition. We believe there is no limit to what we can achieve together. This is an inspirational place, a place of learning, a place for fulfilled dreams, a place to change lives."

The work of the Foundation has been profiled by the Daily Telegraph – read the story here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/businessclub/8442758/Enterprise-at-heart-of-school-visited-by-William-and-Kate.html