Malcolm Arnold Academy

Malcolm Arnold Academy

Established	2010
Type	Academy
Religion	Church of England
Principal	Philip Cantwell
Chair of Governors	Alan Hancock
Location	Trinity Avenue Northampton Northamptonshire NN2 6JW England
DfE number	6910
DfE URN	136201
Students	1200 (available capacity)
Gender	Mixed
Ages	11–18
Houses	Tricker, Crockett, Cheaney, Franklin, Sargent, Lobb, Loake, Cleverley.
Colours	Blue & Yellow
DBE number	106
Website	malcolmarnoldacademy.co.uk

Coordinates: 52°15′14″N 0°53′29″W / 52.2539°N 0.8913°W / 52.2539; -0.8913

Malcolm Arnold Academy is a mixed-gender Academy in Northampton, England, for pupils aged 11 - 18. It was established in 2010 following the closure of the Unity College in July of that year, and opened for year 7 and ages 16+ on 3 September 2010, and for other years on 6 September.^[1] The academy, which begins as an entirely new school, occupies the campus of the former Unity College and has the capacity for 1,450 pupils.^[2] The academy is a Church of England foundation academy but caters for all faiths and none.^[3]

Creation

The academy was established following an announcement on 12 May 2010 by Northamptonshire County Council that Nothampton's Unity College was to be closed following continued poor performance reported by Ofsted.^[4] it was further announced that a new school would be opened under the leadership of the David Ross Foundation which proposed that the new academy would specialise in mathematics and music. In addition to these specialist subjects, the academy would offer students a broad and balanced academic and vocational curriculum. David Ross, chairman of the foundation, said: “Closing a school is never an easy decision, however we believe it is in the best interests of students, staff, parents and the wider community to open a new academy that will offer a world-class education."^[4] The David Ross Foundation also sponsors the Havelock Academy in Grimsby, which opened in 2007.^[2] The new school is being funded by the Department of Education,^[5] Philip Cantwell, the first principal of the new academy, was previously the headmaster of The King's School, Tynemouth.^[2]

The academy, a specialist music college, is named after Sir Malcolm Arnold, the English composer, who is best remembered for his nine symphonies and also wrote the scores for many films including The Bridge on the River Kwai, Whistle Down the Wind, Hobson's Choice, and Inn of the Sixth Happiness.^[6] Sir Malcolm, who was born in Northampton, died in 2006 aged 84.^[7]

Admission

Admission is granted primarily to members of the Church of England fed by the link schools of All Saints CEVA Primary School, Collingtree CEVA Primary School, St Andrew’s CEVA Primary School, St James’ CEVA Primary School, St Luke’s CEVA Primary School, Weston Favell CEVA Primary School, or any other church that is a member of Churches Together in England, followed by members of a religion affiliated to the UK Interfaith Network.^[8] and pupils must reside within the areas governed by the Borough of Northampton.^[8]

References

1. ^ Malcom Arnold Academy Retrieved 9 October 2010
2. ^ ^{a b c} David Ross Foundation Press Release 17 December 2009 Retrieved 9 October 2010
3. ^ Malcolm Arnold Academy: vision and ethos Retrieved 10 October 2010
4. ^ ^{a b} NCC Press Release 12 May 2009 Retrieved 9 October 2010
5. ^ Jones, Callum, 10 August 2010, Northamptonshire Chronicle Retrieved 9 October 2010
6. ^ BBC News, 19 May 2010 Retrieved 9 October 2010
7. ^ BBC News, 6 September 2010 Retrieved 9 October 2010
8. ^ ^{a b} Peterborough Diocese Board of Education Retrieved 10 October 2010