Cheltenham Academy gets approval

The final go-ahead has been given to build a new academy in Cheltenham.

The Government have confirmed the final business case had been approved and the £24.6m of funding that is needed has been given the green light, work will now start next month.

The All Saints’ Academy will be built on the former Cheltenham Kingsmead School site, with both the Catholic Diocese of Clifton and the Anglican Diocese of Gloucester becoming sponsors of the Academy.

Cllr Jackie Hall, Cabinet member for schools at Gloucestershire County Council, says:

“This is another key milestone in an exciting project. The Academy will bring a new, state of the art facility which will provide places for 900 11-16 year olds. There will also be a sixth form offering a variety of academic and vocational courses, that will provide real opportunities for young people as they go forward into adult life.”

The Academy will replace Christ College in Cheltenham and will open its doors in September 2011. It will specialise in sports, science and religious education.