“All we ask in return is that you try your best and go as far as you possibly can.”
These were the words that ushered in a new era for education this week as work began on a £23m ‘learning campus’ for the borough.
Leader of Wigan Council Lord Peter Smith spoke to prospective pupils as he cut the first sod to herald the start of work on the new Abraham Guest complex.
“This will be the first new secondary school in our borough for 20 years,” Lord Smith told the gathering at the ceremony. “But hopefully it will be the first of many of these occasions because we want to change educational provision in our borough to make it fit for the 21st century.”
The event marked Wigan’s entry into the government’s Building Schools for the Future Programme. And the new high school on the site of Orrell Lamberhead Green Primary School, is the final piece in the jigsaw of a complex that will also include a primary school, Sure Start Children’s Centre, Adult Learning Centre and Joint Public and School Library.
Lord Smith was joined by Abraham Guest Headteacher Roy Caslake, Orrell Lamberhead Green Headteacher Jane Chambers, local councillors, pupils and the council’s partners in the project.
Abraham Guest headteacher Mr Caslake praised the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the project in - ‘developing what is going to be a very successful school’.
Mr Caslake added:
“As a flagship school it will provide superb opportunities for young people. "
“Our community can look forward to the best in learning opportunities building on the successful ethos already established at Abraham Guest.”
The Building Schools for the Future Programme will eventually see more than £230m invested in secondary schools across the borough.
Abraham Guest was chosen as a ‘pathfinder’ for the Building Schools for the Future Programme by councillors from a shortlist of three.
It has been designed as part of a partnership between the council, NPS North West Ltd and building contractor Willmott Dixon Construction and is set to open early 2010.
Notes to Editors
For more information contact Phil Green at Wigan Council’s Press Office on 01942 827369
