School places for all at new Wixams Academy

Parents deciding on their choice of a Bedford Borough secondary school can now put their child's name down for a brand new academy opening its doors at Wixams in September 2017.
Paul Spyropoulos, principal of  Wixams AcademyPaul Spyropoulos, principal of  Wixams Academy
Paul Spyropoulos, principal of Wixams Academy

There will be places for those from the new Wixams development and neighbouring areas like Wilstead, but also for children from Kempston, Elstow, Wootton and Bedford itself, as well as those living in Central Bedfordshire locations like Marston, Ampthill and Flitwick.

Subsidised mini buses will be available on two key routes for the first year to allow easy access to the brand new building at Wixams.

Construction work will begin within the next few months and the academy will be open for the autumn term of 2017 for Year 7 pupils (aged 11) under the new two-tier ‘secondary school’ model. Eventually the academy will grow to offer a Sixth Form as those pupils progress.

Parents of would-be pupils from all areas are invited to attend an Information Evening at Lakeview Primary School in Wixams (opposite Budgens) between 6pm and 8pm on Wednesday July 13. Further evenings will be held in the Autumn. Register for information at www.wixamsacademy.co.uk

“As part of the high quality educational offering, there will be a broad curriculum for those joining us at age 11 and the academy will specialise in science and technology to give students a head start in developing the skills needed for the future,” explained Principal Paul Spyropoulos,

“We are offering a new and different educational choice, focusing on raising aspirations and standards of academic achievement.

“There will be an extended school day so that students can benefit from a wider curriculum including technology, science, extended projects and enrichment.”

Principal Paul has been speaking to parents for months whilst awaiting the detailed go-ahead from the Department for Education for the academy to fit the full secondary 11 - 19 age range.

Wixams Academy will be run by Bedford College Academies Trust (BCAT), a multi-academy trust.

BCAT and its members provide the very best education to over 15,000 students in and around Bedford, an organisation including Bedford College, Shuttleworth College and The Bedford Sixth Form. BCAT’s members were also instrumental in establishing the highly successful Bedford Free School.