Littlehampton; Hugh Dennis Visits School

7 June 2013, 15:32 | Updated: 7 June 2013, 16:06

Actor and comedian Hugh Dennis officially opened the new £32m facilities at The Littlehampton Academy, West Sussex.

The star of Mock The Week, Outnumbered and Radio 4’s The Now Show was be joined by local dignitaries including Mrs Susan Pyper (Lord Lieutenant of West Sussex), Major Tom Wye (Deputy Lieutenant of West Sussex), David Sword (WSCC Director of Learning) and The Rt Revd Mark Sowerby (Bishop of Horsham).
 
The event, was also attended by academy staff and pupils, along with representatives of the academy sponsor, the Woodard Academies Trust.
 
On arrival, guests enjoyed refreshments while being entertained by The Littlehampton Academy Steel Band; they also had the opportunity to tour the new facilities.
 
After a dedication service in the chapel, Mr Dennis unveiled a commemorative plaque to officially open the new academy building.
 
Chair of Woodard Academies Trust, Mrs Jan Richardson MBE, said: "We are thrilled that Hugh has agreed to join us and officially open the new buildings at The Littlehampton Academy; it promises to be a wonderful occasion for everyone involved."

The Littlehampton Academy is a mixed gender 11-18 academy, sponsored by Woodard Academies Trust and West Sussex County Council.
 
The academy, which opened in September 2009, has places for 1,900 students and aims to transform education and raise attainment for each student and the community as a whole.
As a Christian designated academy, it aims to provide a rich, diverse culture enabling young people from all faiths and none, to flourish and lead full and creative lives, choosing their own positive, personal, social, moral and spiritual values.

It robustly supports young people from some of the most disadvantaged electoral wards in West Sussex. The 2012 exam results were the academy’s best ever.