Shropshire selective school to admit more boys from deprived areas in £2.6million overhaul
A Shropshire selective school is to throw open its doors to boys from deprived areas of the borough in a £2.6m overhaul of its approach to equality of opportunity.
Haberdashers’ Adams’ Grammar School in Newport has been given a huge windfall from the Government’s Selective Schools Expansion Fund (SSEF), designed for schools that can prove they are serious about improving access for disadvantaged pupils and helping them achieve their potential.
It has meant a green light for a new building at the school’s traditional home near the centre of Newport, and will also see boys from disadvantaged areas around Telford & Wrekin getting to the front of the queue in a shake-up to the selection process.
Headteacher Gary Hickey said it was the realisation of his ambition to make the school more inclusive.
“It’s very exciting, it’s been a long time coming. It’s the biggest expansion of the school in its 400 year history," he said.
“There will be a new teaching building on our current grounds which will mean we will be able to increase our numbers.”
Construction is to begin on the new building in the next few weeks.
