New high school is on timetable

THE DEPARTMENT for Education has announced that the opening of a new secondary school, Trinity Academy Brighouse, has been approved for Calderdale.

The new school, which is being set up by Trinity Multi-Academy Trust (MAT), is scheduled to open in Brighouse in September 2023.

The free school is part of the latest wave of primary, secondary and all-through schools to be approved, joining more than 550 already open and over 220 in the pipeline.

The new academy will support growing demand for secondary school places in Calderdale by offering 750 new places to students of all faiths and none, and will complement the trust’s current offer within Calderdale, at the outstanding Trinity Academy Halifax, Trinity Academy Sowerby Bridge, and at post-16 Trinity Sixth Form Academy.

The new free school will be a ‘hub of excellence’ for maths and science, and will offer an extracurricular STEM activities programme, in addition to a strong focus on literacy and pastoral care for students.

Charlie Johnson, who leads the Trinity Academy Brighouse project team said: “I am delighted that the Department for Education has recognised the need for a school to meet the upcoming demand on secondary places across Calderdale, and that Trinity MAT has been selected to deliver this exciting project.

“Whilst the school will have a broad and balanced curriculum, the focus on science and maths is of extra excitement. As a scientist, I look forward to instilling the same passion I have for the subject into the school and the community it will serve.”

Coun Adam Wilkinson, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services, said: “I’d like to congratulate the Trinity Multi-Academy Trust project team on their successful application. This is wonderful news and a real boost for Calderdale’s young people.

“At such a challenging time, this is a really positive step forward for their learning and their future opportunities.”

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