Felixstowe: New executive principal of Felixstowe Academy excited about the future as new education era begins
A new era for education in the town is officially under way today as students begin the new school term at the Felixstowe Academy.
Students walked through the doors of the school yesterday which is still split between the Maidstone campus (former Orwell School) and Garrison campus (former Deben School).
New executive principal of the academy Stephen Chamberlain is excited about the future of the school and is glad the new term is here.
He said: “I think it has been a brilliant first day.
“I’ve been to both campuses so I could meet the students and they are all looking incredibly smart.
“I have had the chance to talk to students today and they are a fantastic bunch.
“I am looking forward to meeting and exceeding the targets that the previous two schools achieved.”
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The move towards an academy has not been easy for organisers, with many students claiming they want to remain two individual schools.
However Mr Chamberlain is confident the first day has been a successful start to the life of the academy and will be eventually accepted.
He is also hoping the school can build up relationships with town businesses. “There has been a generally positive reaction from the students,” he said.
“A lot of students have friends at different campuses.
“There is certainly a sense of us now being one institution.
“We will be working with local businesses and hopefully we can develop apprenticeships.”
With the first day now finished staff at the Felixstowe Academy are now looking forward to the future of the school.
Although the academy is still situated on two sites at the old schools, there are plans to have one building – which is currently due to be ready by 2013.
Plans have not yet been finished but Mr Chamberlain has assured students and the community they will get a say in the future of the site.
What are your thoughts about the academy? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or you can e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.
