Richmond Park Academy Gets Government Go Ahead

Proposals to open the proposed Richmond Park Academy in Sheen have now received Government approval which means that the new secondary school will be opening its doors for the first time for students on Thursday 9th September. The decision was made through a Funding Agreement signed by Schools Minister, Lord Hill, at the Department for Education.

The new Academy will be sponsored by the Academies Enterprise Trust*, with the aim of building on the recent academic progress of the former Shene School which is to close on 31st August. The new Academy will be striving to become an outstanding comprehensive school for children of all abilities, as well as a vital resource for the local community. The chosen specialist subjects will be English, as well as Business with Maths and ICT. The decision to establish a new Academy in Sheen followed a period of widespread consultation in the area which resulted in 84% of respondents in favour.

Further consultations were held with students, staff and parents to decide the name, Richmond Park Academy, and a uniform. Ms Lesley Kirby, previously Head of Shene School will be Head of the Academy and Mr David Fuller, a highly experienced leader and former head of a number of independent, special and secondary schools, will be Executive Principal.

Ms Kirby said, "This is a wonderful opportunity for current and future students, staff and parents to build a highly successful school in Sheen which will be at the heart of this community. It is a chance for us to fulfil our ambitious plans and 'make our best better’."

Mr Fuller said, “I approach my role knowing that there is much to do to win the confidence of the local community and the local primary schools, but I have every expectation that Richmond Park Academy will become the school of choice for children, staff and parents. This is nothing less than they all deserve.”