Earlier today, staff and families came together to celebrate the official opening of Tiffield Academy, a new special school located in Tiffield, near Towcester. The Academy, part of Greenwood Academies Trust, will provide vital support to children with additional and complex needs, and their families.
Marking the occasion, which has been four years in the making, the Academy welcomed colleagues, families and members of the wider community to a special opening event. This included speeches from those involved in the project; a tour of the new facilities; and a ribbon cutting, led by Mirah Mshudulu, a pupil from Purple Oaks Academy, another special school within the Trust.
Developed in partnership with West Northamptonshire Council and construction experts, Willmott Dixon, the Academy will welcome young people between the ages of 4 to 18 years, who may be autistic, or experience other communication difficulties, and have severe learning difficulties.
Opening its doors to pupils on Monday, 8th September, families will benefit from a purpose-built and inclusive school setting that puts children’s wellbeing and potential at the heart of everything it does. This ambition will be further supported by the Academy’s ethos which is founded in kindness, curiosity and ambition – values which will be brought to life through a carefully planned environment to accommodate sensory learning differences. These will be supported through bespoke learning spaces, a soft playroom, sensory rooms, a rebound therapy room, expansive outdoor play areas and a family-led pastoral model.
Emma Butler, Principal at Tiffield Academy, said:
“Our mission at Tiffield Academy is simple - we are here to help every child feel safe, supported and seen, and to nurture a love of learning that will help them thrive, both in and out of school.
“It has taken four years to bring this important project to fruition, and so I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who played a role throughout this process and has helped ensure that our children have access to an inclusive and meaningful education experience.”
Wayne Norrie, CEO of Greenwood Academies Trust, said:
“Tiffield Academy is a direct response to the pressing need for high-quality SEND places across the region. Ensuring we uphold our commitment to doing all we can for the communities we serve, it is also an Academy that has been shaped by deep expertise, compassion and collaboration, and I know that through this provision, our brilliant colleagues will make a real different to the lives of local families for years to come.”
Cllr Kathryn Shaw, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at West Northamptonshire Council, said:
“Tiffield Academy will make a real and lasting difference to children with additional and complex needs, offering high-quality educational support in a safe, inclusive and purpose-built environment, right here in their local community. It means families can access the specialist provision their children need, close to home, helping them to thrive both academically and emotionally.
“We are delighted to see this project come to life after years of collaboration. From identifying the need through the Council's pupil place planning process, to securing the land and leading the design and delivery of the school, this has been a true team effort. It’s a powerful example of what can be achieved when partners work together with a shared commitment to improving outcomes for our learners and I am confident of the positive difference this will make to our children, young people and families.”
Michelle Cotterill, Deliver Director at Willmott Dixon, said:
“It is wonderful to see Tiffield Academy come to life. Over the past three years, our team has worked in close collaboration to deliver a purpose-built, fully inclusive school designed to meet the diverse needs of children. We take immense pride in our proven track record of delivering high-quality schools, supporting local authorities in meeting the specialist educational requirements of children and their families.
“In addition to providing state-of-the-art facilities, we remain committed to embedding sustainability in all our projects, helping our customers to future-proof their schools. At Tiffield Academy, this commitment also contributes to the council’s ambition of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.”
