Christ the King College, Isle of Wight

Christ the King College

Motto	Via Veritas Vita
Established	2008
Type	voluntary aided comprehensive
Head Teacher	Mrs P Goodhead
Chair of Governors	Mr D Lisseter
Location	Wellington Road Newport Isle of Wight PO30 5QT England
Local authority	Isle of Wight
Students	736
Gender	Mixed
Ages	11–16
Colours	Purple
Website	www.ckcollege.com

Coordinates: 50°41′39″N 1°18′38″W / 50.6941°N 1.3105°W / 50.6941; -1.3105

Christ the King College, is a joint Church of England and Catholic college located in Newport on the Isle of Wight. It was created in September 2008 by amalgamating two older schools, Archbishop King Middle School (ABK)and Trinity Middle School. As such, the school is on two separate campuses, both located close to each other on Wellington Road. The school currently takes students from years 7 to 11 but has future plans to extend the age range and become a Christian High School.^[1] It is unique in the United Kingdom in accommodating this age range, a reflection of its transformational status from middle to high school.

History

The school was formed on 1 September 2008 by Logan Wareham and Pat Goodhead,when two middle schools on Wellington Road, Archbishop King (Catholic)and Trinity (C of E)merged. This was done in line with education reforms currently being implemented to schools across the island.^[2]

The desire to expand beyond the current age range of 9–13 years was first registered in December 2004, shortly after a new headteacher, Pat Goodhead was appointed. A combination of circumstances including outstanding Ofsted inspections for Trinity and the need for a good headteacher for Archbishop King, lead to the same headteacher managing both schools from September 2006. Amalgamation of the two schools moved on as respective bishops, the island clergy, the parent body staff and students became increasingly positive about the idea. Later the official consultation process confirmed the support of all stakeholders eventually leading the a full amalgamation for September 2008 resulting in the closure of Trinity and Archbishop King middle schools.^[3][4]

Following the new launch, an opening ceremony was held in October 2008.^[5]

As part of the college's ongoing expansion plans, it has now taken delivery of a new batch of classrooms to include Science, Art and Design and Technology facilities. In addition, a new multi-use games area (MUGA)has been put in place on the field of Upper College, which replaces the playground on which the new sports hall now stands.

Building work is ongoing as a new building is planned to replace temporary blocks currently in place.

Ofsted inspectors who visited the school in November 2009 praised the 'exceptional' progress that had been made since its opening the year before rating it good overall with outstanding aspects.^[6]

References

1. ^ "Christ the King College homepage". www.christ-the-king.iow.sch.uk. http://www.christ-the-king.iow.sch.uk/. Retrieved 2009-06-01. 
2. ^ "School reform plans revealed". Isle of Wight County Press. http://www.iwcp.co.uk/news/school-reform-plans-revealed-20652.aspx. Retrieved 2009-06-01. 
3. ^ "Final reunion for middle school". Isle of Wight County Press. http://www.iwcp.co.uk/news/final-reunion-for-middle-school-20972.aspx. Retrieved 2009-06-01. 
4. ^ "Christ the King College - History". www.christ-the-king.iow.sch.uk. http://www.christ-the-king.iow.sch.uk/the-history. Retrieved 2009-06-01. 
5. ^ "Faith key in new Christian college". Isle of Wight County Press. http://www.iwcp.co.uk/news/faith-key-to-new-christian-college-22543.aspx. Retrieved 2009-06-01. 
6. ^ "College's 'exceptional' progress in short existence". Isle of Wight County Press. http://www.iwcp.co.uk/news/news/colleges-exceptional-progress-in-short-existence-29920.aspx. Retrieved 2009-11-25.