Edgar Wood Academy welcomes first year 7 students.

The new academic year marks a significant moment for the communities of Middleton and Heywood as Edgar Wood Academy opens.

Marin Kojder, Headteacher commented: "I am incredibly proud to be the new Headteacher of Edgar Wood Academy, serving the families and communities of Middleton and Heywood. The facilities at both the permanent and temporary site are outstanding and will allow us to provide a school which allows students to thrive both academically and socially. We are looking forward to establishing a culture of excellence in the temporary building, developing student ambassadors who will act as exemplary role models as we move into our new school next year. None of this would have been possible without the close collaboration and incredible work by all partners including Altus Education Partnership, Hopwood Hall college, the DfE, the local authority and Wates construction."

The new Edgar Wood Academy is an 11-16 state-funded secondary school operated by Altus Education partnership who are also responsible for the Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ Rochdale Sixth Form College.

Richard Ronksley, CEO Altus Education Partnership commented: “We are delighted to see that the hard work and commitment of so many people has come to fruition with the opening of Edgar Wood Academy. I can think of no better teacher than Marcin Kojder, former Deputy Headteacher at the highly regarding Hollingworth Academy, to create a unique learning environment to ensure students thrive. Marcin has appointed a team of highly skilled specialist teachers, whose enthusiasm and passion for their subjects is infectious. It is a very exciting time”

Edgar Wood Academy has opened in temporary accommodation in September 2021 at Hopwood Hall College, Middleton Campus. Once building works are complete the new, permanent school will open in September 2022 and will provide 900 places when it is at full capacity. The new permanent school is located on land at Bowlee, accessed off Heywood Old Road in the Middleton area of Rochdale. The new modern building with state-of-the-art facilities, will benefit from:

• A well-equipped sports hall and activity studio/gym.
• A well-stocked library and resource centre, open to students before and after school.
• Modern, specialist teaching resources including science labs, computing rooms and art studios.
• Dedicated performing arts facilities with practice music rooms and a drama theatre.
• A fully resourced technology suite, with catering, product design and construction facilities.

Edgar Wood Academy look forward to welcoming prospective parents on their open evening which will be held on Wednesday 29th September and Wednesday 6th October, 4.30 - 7.30pm for further details please see the website: https://www.edgarwood.org/

Councillor Rachel Massey, cabinet member for children’s services and education, said: “This is the start of a very exciting period for Edgar Wood. It’s great to have students starting here. This temporary site was approved under exceptional circumstances and we’re all looking forward to the final building works taking place ready to fully open next academic year. This is such a significant step in all the work that’s been taking place to create more school places in our borough to give young people more excellent education opportunities in their home town.”