The bells finally toll as two Telford schools close
It was the end of an era at two schools in Telford today with the bell ringing for students for the final time.
Students at Sutherland Co-Operative Academy and Wrockwardine Wood Arts College were attending lessons for the last time.
Both sets are to move on to a new site next to Oakengates Leisure Centre from September, becoming Telford Priory School as part of a merger. The schools are both members of the Telford Co-operative Multi-Academy Trust (TCMAT).
TCMAT chairman Peter Lawley said: "It is the final day for students at Wrockwardine Wood and Sutherland.
"The teaching staff then have all next week to pack up everything needed to be taken to the new Telford Priory School before the school buildings are then closed.
"Whilst it marks the end of an era for both schools, the staff and students who will be moving to the Telford Priory School in September will be excited and enthusiastic about the new opportunities which the new school will bring."
Both academies are currently in special measures after being graded 'inadequate' – the worst possible rating for schools – following visits from Ofsted inspectors.
Lakeside Academy and Phoenix Academy, the other two schools in the TCMAT, were also rated inadequate.
The Community Academies Trust (CAT) will take over the running and management of the schools from September.
A number of events have been held at Wrockwardine Wood to mark the history of the school. Hundreds of past and present pupils and staff turned out for a recent open day which took place at the school in New Road.
The doors were thrown open for people to have a look around, while current staff led tours of the site for one final time before the bulldozers move in to reduce it to rubble.
A school first opened on the site in 1933 and it has steadily grown in size over the years, with more than 600 pupils now on the roll.
Past pupils include former Telford MP David Wright, who was guest of honour two years ago when the school held a special 80th anniversary event.
The building is set to be demolished at the end of the current summer term.
Over the past two years the school has also been compiling a history of the site and former pupils can still share their pictures or stories.
For more on the history of the school or to share memories log on to www.wrockwardinewoodartsacademy.com/80years
