Finlay Community School - open for learning

Pupils, parents and community members will mingle with special guests at the official opening of the Finlay Community School in Gloucester on Tuesday 9 June.

The school was re-opened in January of this year following the government's New School Competition process. The successful bid came from the Learning Community Trust led by the University of Gloucestershire and supported by the White City Community Project and a number of churches in the Gloucester City Deanery.

The school was the first in the country to go through the process, and was recently commended by Schools Minister, Jim Knight for having the best ‘value added' SATS results in the county.

The new school will be officially opened by Vice-Chancellor of the University of Gloucestershire, Professor Patricia Broadfoot at 2.30pm. Guests will include Jo Davidson, Gloucestershire County Council's Director of Children and Young People's Service, the Right Rev Bishop of Gloucester, Michael Perham and Gloucester town crier, Alan Myatt.

Visitors will be able to see an exhibition illustrating the history of the school, and plans for future projects, including extended school and summer sports activities as well as provisions for gifted and talented children. For the pupils, it will be an opportunity to show off some of the creative work that they have been undertaking over the past term.

Chair of the Learning Community Partnership, and acting Head of Initial Teacher Training at the University of Gloucestershire, Sue Shorrock said:
"This will be a wonderful occasion during which the children's recent outstanding achievements can be celebrated. We are very proud to be working closely with the school and its community, and the event will provide visitors with the opportunity to see some of the exciting and distinctive projects we have developed together".

The Learning Community Trust was appointed by Gloucestershire County Council to set up the school after it was put in special measures in November 2006.

The 162 children currently studying at the school have been involved in choosing their new school uniform and parents, pupils and carers will continue to work in partnership with the governing body to ensure the school grows and develops over the coming years.

Finlay Community School, Finlay Road, Gloucester, GL4 6TR

Source: University of Gloucestershire