A new school for pupils who have may have been excluded or deemed challenging is finally set to open its doors next week.
Springwell Alternative Academy Spalding is to open its doors on January 9 in the former South Holland Sixth Form building on Matmore Gate.
It was due to open in September 2018 with the school having operated in Boston since this September.
Springwell can cater for 63 pupils and is part of the Wellspring Academy Trust.
To celebrate the completion of the new academy, the building contactors G F Tomlinson has worked with the staff and students to create a unique art project.
By using their handprints, the students have created a painting in the shape of one large handprint, which is now proudly displayed in the heart of the new school.
Ian Dalby, framework manager at G F Tomlinson, said: “We’re pleased to have delivered a fourth alternative academy on behalf of the Wellspring Academy Trust in Lincolnshire; providing a positive learning environment for SEMH children in the region.
“Engagement with the community has been key throughout the delivery of the project and we are proud to have successfully achieved this across the development with a number of on site initiatives, such as a ‘Meet the Builder’ event, site tours for pupils and staff and the creative art project to mark its completion.
“It has been a pleasure to work so closely with the Wellspring Academy Trust over the course of the four developments and we have built up a solid and genuine partnership. We would like to give them a special thank you for their continual support and wish all future pupils and staff members the best of luck with the new academy.”
Phil Willott, executive principal at the Wellspring Academy Trust said: “It is a very proud moment for myself, as the executive principal, to open the doors to our fourth and final alternative academy within Lincolnshire.
“The Trust, DfE, LA, G F Tomlinson and academy staff have worked tirelessly in order to ensure our new home will meet the needs of all our young people, who prior to this had been educated in accommodation well below the expected standard.
“I would like to say special thanks to Ian, Tracey and Beth (without forgetting the wider team) from G F Tomlinson, who have been fantastic throughout the project; working with the local community, providing regular updates, the warm welcome for staff visits but more importantly the work they have done with our young people. We look forward to many years of providing our young people with positive moments, which will stay with them for a lifetime and make a sustainable difference to their lives.”
Mark Wilson, CEO at Wellspring Academy Trust said: “We are delighted to welcome Springwell Alternative Academy Spalding into our community of schools and in doing so extending our partnership with the County Council and people of Lincolnshire.”
Wellspring Academy Trust is inviting pupils, parents and local residents to the new Springwell Alternative Academy Spalding open day on Wednesday, January 8 from 10am until noon, before officially opening to pupils on Thursday, January 9.
