Outwood Academy Riverside Announces Revamped Plans For Opening

A new secondary school due to open in Middlesbrough this September has announced its revamped plans for opening after complications to the process because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Outwood Academy Riverside originally announced earlier this year that prior to 2023, it would be based at a temporary home at 100 Russell Street while its permanent home is under construction.

The academy was established after the Department for Education approved an application from Outwood Grange Academies Trust for an 11-to-16 academy, based in the Middlehaven area of Middlesbrough, adjacent to Middlesbrough College. 

The academy will provide the local community with the benefits of a new state-of-the-art building once it is completed in 2023. 

However, due to complications and delays brought on and worsened by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Outwood Grange Academies Trust has announced that the academy will first call 2 Queen’s Square home, to ensure it still opens in September.

The building is part of Middlesbrough College and has regularly been used by its students.

The Outwood students are currently planned to be located on the ground and first floor, with plans in place to ensure its students are separated and safeguarded from any other users of the building.

In a letter sent to parents of future students, the academy said: “We are in the fortunate position that we are still able to open in September, which has not been the case for all new schools.

“In September we will start our academic year in 2 Queen’s Square TS2 1AA. This is located close to the train station in the centre of Middlesbrough and therefore only a short walk from Russell Street.  We understand that this may cause some frustration, upset and anxiety for parents, carers and children.”

Alex Howe, Principal designate of Outwood Academy Riverside, added:

“Although we have had to change our plans due to the ongoing difficulties facing us all, we are still excited for September and welcoming our students to their new learning home.

“The building at 2 Queen Square offers us an education accommodation, including general classrooms, dining space, toilets and an outdoor yard space at the back of the building for students to enjoy.

“At Outwood, we always work hard to put students first, raise standards and transform lives. Even though these are difficult times, they are not dampening our enthusiasm and excitement to continue this at Outwood Academy Riverside and work with the local authority and local community to help children reach their full potential.” 

Within the letter sent to parents, the academy has given its assurances to parents that it is expected the refurbishment works at 100 Russell Street, which will cost over £3 million, will still be completed this year.

The refurbishment works, which are being overseen by the Department for Education, are expected to be completed in December 2020. The current plan is for the academy to move there over the Christmas break so students can begin the new calendar year at their new home.

When Outwood first made the announcement regarding moving to 100 Russell Street earlier this year it was positively met by members of the local community.

Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston said: “This is fantastic news, and a great step forward in the creation of a new school that will shape lives for years to come.

“It’s going to have a massive impact on the local community, and will play a really important role in the next phase of regeneration in Middlehaven.

“Congratulations to Outwood on a major achievement for the whole town.”

A spokesperson for Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation said: “Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation is delighted that Outwood Academy will be opening a Free School in Middlehaven, from September 2020. 

“The Foundation works across Teesside, working with many schools and community groups to ‘inspire confidence and inspire hope’ in young people and adults. We are looking forward to working with Outwood Academy, to inspire students to widen their horizons and raise aspirations.” 

A spokesperson for Middlesbrough College said: “Middlesbrough College is delighted to hear that Outwood Academy Riverside will be open and operational this year in advance of the new school being constructed adjacent to the College.

“We have already built strong partnership links with the school and look forward to developing these further as the new staff and management team settles in and the new year 7 students join the Outwood group this September. 

“Middlehaven as an area is really going places at the moment and we are excited to be building strong links with the school and local employers, particularly in the digital field.  

“We are really thrilled that things are moving forward so positively and can’t wait to welcome our new neighbours to Middlehaven!”