North East Lincolnshire has seen the grand opening of two new primary schools, the first in the area for decades. Scartho Gateway Academy and Waltham Gateway Academy, both run by the Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust, have so far admitted approximately 100 students across their two sites. The schools, situated in Matthew Telford Park, Scartho, and on land off Sunningdale in Waltham, received funding for their development from the local council and the Department for Education.
The jubilant Principal of Scartho Gateway Academy, Melanie Portlock, shared, ‘This morning has been fantastic. This school is set to be a central hub for the community.’ It is projected that the school will admit up to 210 students, including 12 positions reserved for children with special educational needs and disabilities, making it a vital educational resource for local families.
In the meantime, Waltham Gateway Academy has begun teaching its first students in temporary buildings, anticipating a relocation to its permanent premises over the October half-term break. The school’s Principal, Lindsay Holness, revealed a highly encouraging environment during her interview, ‘We’re calling it our little village. Our pupils are loving it. They’re having fun, making new friends and they’re happy.’
Joe White, North East Lincolnshire Council’s deputy service director, emphasised the importance of these new schools, referencing their deliberate locations within areas seeing a rise in population. He further commented, ‘Ensuring that children can access education within their local community is incredibly important to us.’
This report was originally covered by the BBC and adapted for The Lincoln Post.
