First lessons take place in academy in Westergate

Monday saw Westergate Community School officially open as the Ormiston Six Villages Academy.

The academy of some 700 pupils has joined a network of 25 other secondary and primary academies which collaborate to share good practice, teaching and management expertise.

Principal Steve Nelmes said: “I am delighted that Ormiston Six Villages Academy has opened to serve our students and community.

“My thanks to everybody who has worked so hard to make this happen. I look forward to the exciting future we have before us.”

The school opened on Lime Avenue in 2000 to replace Westergate Community College in nearby Ivy Lane.

It has joined the Ormiston Academies’ network after its governors recommended it should leave local education authority control and become an academy sponsored by Ormiston Academies Trust. An official launch of the academy will take place on December 2.

Professor Toby Salt, the trust’s chief executive officer, said: “We are delighted with the opening of the new Ormison Six Villages Academy.

“We have received great support from staff, students and the community.

“Our academies are encouraged to respond to the unique needs of 
their students and community.

“I am looking forward to working closely with the new academy as it continues to play an important role in the 
local area.”

The new name was chosen by the former school’s parents, students and staff members to reflect its surrounding community.