Students and staff have gathered to celebrate work starting on an inspirational new development in the shadows of Goodison Park.
The £4.2 million development, which will become the new home of Everton Free School, will be constructed as part of the Government's Free School programme and will cater for a maximum of 200 students. The regeneration and redevelopment will offer the people of Walton a community campus. The first phase will open in September 2014.
The development will include the refurbishment and extension of an existing building on Spellow Lane and features will include a teaching block, a sports hall, a covered ‘street’ running through the complex and a curving ‘creative block’ close to the existing building.
A significant amount of funding has been allocated from the Big Lottery Fund to create a community hub, which will mean the facilities will be available for public use.
At the moment the school is based at four sites across Merseyside; Toxteth, the Learning Exchange in the city centre, Wallasey School in Wirral and the Lord Derby Academy in Huyton. The school currently houses 130 students with over 20 others on a waiting list. The new development will allow them to increase the intake to 200 students. The satellite sites will remain, providing a networked education resource across Merseyside.
Adrian Packer, Principal of Everton Free School said: "We are absolutely delighted with the start we have made as a free school since we opened in 2012. These new facilities for the students and local community will be a great asset to the area. They will certainly enable our students many more pathways to success."
Echoing Adrian’s sentiments, Robert Elstone, Chief Executive of Everton Football Club, added: “We are delighted to be breaking ground on the new site, just a stone’s throw away from Goodison Park.
"It comes after a tremendous amount of hard work from all those working within the Everton Free School and is further tangible proof of the progress the staff, and students, have made since first opening its doors 18 months ago.
"The new facility will make a positive difference to many, many young people’s lives in the local community and we are proud to be associated with this innovative and pioneering educational project.”
Dr. Denise Barrett-Baxendale, Chief Executive Officer of Everton in the Community, said: “This is a great moment for Everton in the Community and the Free School, as we can finally look forward to a fantastic learning environment and community hub. The free school has made great impact already and we are delighted to be supporting them as they create a great future for the young people of Merseyside.”
Launched in September 2012 by Everton in the Community, Everton Free School caters for young people aged 14-19 and offers an alternative education pathway to those who have become detached from traditional schooling. The school delivers an innovative, personalised curriculum supported by local stakeholders, industry partners and Further and Higher Education.
Everton in the Community were the first Club community scheme in the country to be awarded funding by the Government to open a Free School.
