More than 1000 children in Rugeley will have a brand new school after the Government announced a major building programme today.
The new Rugeley John Taylor School is will open to nursery, reception, and Year 7 pupils in September 2023. And Conservative MP for Cannock Chase, Amanda Milling, welcomed the “great news” for the area and said the school would ensure future generations get the skills they need.
The new school, the first all-through school to be built in Staffordshire, will be built on the power station site and will be operated by the John Taylor Multi-Academy Trust (JTMAT).
The John Taylor Multi-Academy Trust already runs a number of schools in Staffordshire and South Derbyshire, and were announced as the school sponsored by the Department of Education.
The school will focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and will help future generations leave school with the skills they need to succeed.
The Free School programme has helped raise educational standards across England, with more than 80% of free schools rated good or outstanding by Ofsted.
Commenting, Amanda Milling MP, said: “This is great news for Rugeley and I look forward to seeing the school take in its first pupils. The redevelopment of the power station site is the perfect place to build a school that will ensure that future generations leave school with a wide range of skills and a good education. I am also delighted the school will be the first all-through school in the county and offer a seamless education path for children from a very young age until they are ready to go to university, further education or enter the world of work. Since being elected I have worked hard to help improve education and employment opportunities. I have no doubt that this new school will provide students across Cannock Chase the necessary skills to get on in life.”
Commenting, Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson said: “Today we are launching the first phase of our ambitious new schools programme, with 50 rebuilds and 21 new free schools. Over 15,500 children will now benefit from 21 new free schools across the country as we look to build back better after the pandemic. I am determined to get all children back into education as soon as possible, and will make sure we do not let the pandemic stand in the way of giving every young person the opportunity to succeed, progress and fulfil their potential”
