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Preston's new academy to get £25m revamp
A £25million development will be the centrepiece of Preston's new academy, the Lancashire Evening Post can reveal.
The controversial Fulwood Academy opened its doors on Monday to its first year seven pupils, and was visited by junior education minister Iain Wright MP.
By the end of the week the building will be bustling with 1,014 pupils.
Plans are already in the pipeline to replace the existing school with a 25m new development.
Architects have drawn up plans to demolish the former Fulwood High School and Arts College building in Black Bull Lane.
Draft plans involve all but the existing arts centre and hall being replaced with a modern building on land fronting the current school.
Official proposals have not yet been submitted, but the school's new trustees, The Dunstone Foundation, headed by Carphone Warehouse boss Charles Dunstone, hope the new facilities will be ready by 2012.
Sixth form provision will be established "at the earliest opportunity" which it is believed could be as soon as next September.
During the summer holidays the school saw 250,000 worth of improvements, which included repainting, a remodelling of the library, a new media centre and a student resource area complete with Internet pods.
The trustees have also shelled out around 25,000 on new badged outdoor jackets for every pupil.
Kath Moss, who has been headteacher at Fulwood High for the past nine years is acting as interim principal until Christmas.
She said: "It's all very exciting and one of the key features of the new academy is the cutting edge technology.
"Our arts specialism will remain and we will add to that creative digital and media technologies.
"We have always had a house system here, but that is going to be the lynchpin to drive forward achievement and pastoral care.
"Pastoral care is something Charles Dunstone wants to be a key strength of the academy."
Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans, who represents Fulwood, said the new school was "good news for the area."
He added: "It is absolutely good for Fulwood and I think that it will be a big boost. Providing the most up-to-date facilities for our youngsters is important.
"It is about more than just the premises though. Promises must be delivered and there must be sustained investment for many years in the future."
Fulwood High officially closed and the moved out of Lancashire County Council control on August 31.
The new academy is now managed directly by the Department for Children, Schools and Families and its sponsor Mr Dunstone.
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Weather for Preston
Tuesday 07 February 2012
Today
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Temperature: -6 C to 4 C
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Wind direction: South east
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