Royal architect opens E-ACT’s Trent Valley Academy

HRH The Duke of Gloucester flew into Trent Valley Academy (TVA) in Gainsborough to open the new £40m academy building giving the project a royal seal of approval.

The Duke of Gloucester toured the educational village, where TVA is located alongside Aegir Special Community School, and unveiled a plaque to mark the event.

E-ACT Chairman Dr Noorzaman Rashid welcomed the Duke alongside Principal Tom Megahy and gave a speech thanking him for attending the opening of E-ACT’s first new academy building.

Dr Rashid said: “This is our first new-build academy and it’s a real honour to be part of a Royal opening ceremony.”

TVA, the first purpose-built Academy in Lincolnshire for more than 40 years, combines the former Castle Hills Community Arts College and Middlefield School of Technology, and houses 1,300 students and 200 staff.  Another 100 secondary students with learning disabilities are also housed within the state-of-the-art special school adjoining the site.

John Cawdell, Trent Valley Academy’s Director of Business and resources, and coordinator of the Royal visit said: “It is no coincidence that the Duke performed the official opening, as this is a landmark building in so many ways.  We have been open since September, and this recognition will be tremendous for both the Academy and our neighbours.”

Trent Valley Academy is the first E-ACT Academy to open in a new building,. E-ACT sponsors eight open academies in England, with three more scheduled to open in the autumn.