UKFast aim high with digital school

A new high school focussed on digital literacy in Manchester has been approved by the government and is set to tackle the growing skills gap in the region.

The new school, which caters for 11 to 16-year-olds, will combine traditional education with digital literacy and the skills young people need to thrive in an increasingly technology-led workplace.

The high school sees UKFast team up with educational provider The Dean Trust.

It is an initiative backed by Parliamentary UnderSecretary of State for Schools, Lord Nash.

Lawrence Jones, CEO of cloud hosting firm UKFast, said: “We’ve partnered with the Dean Trust for many years now as part of our mission to help close the skills gap and equip every child, regardless of their background or future aspirations, with the skills that they need in a digital working world.

“This school is set to be based near to UKFast Campus, within some of Manchester’s most in-need wards, somewhere we hope to bring hands-on access to cuttingedge technology and skills.”

UKFast is providing curricular support, teacher training, work experience and placements, as well as technical workshops and Code Club style sessions as part of the partnership.

The publicly funded academy is scheduled to open within two years as part of the government’s free school drive.