Press release: The Eastbourne Academy gets the go-ahead

The signing of the funding agreement gives the go-ahead for the 21^st Century academy to replace Eastbourne Technology College with up to £20m being invested in the project.

The news has been welcomed by the sponsors – Sussex Downs College and East Sussex County Council – who have set up a trust to manage the new Academy.

The Academy will benefit from state-of-the-art buildings and equipment and an individual curriculum personalised for each student. There will be a management focus on raising achievements and research and development to ensure continuous improvement.

The Academy will be an all-ability, non-selective school for up to 180 local pupils a year between the ages of 11 and 16.

Keith Pailthorpe, Principal-Designate of The Eastbourne Academy, said: “The Eastbourne Academy will be the first academy in East Sussex. This is an excellent opportunity to raise achievement for all our students and to benefit our community, socially and economically. I am thrilled to be appointed as leader of an academy that offers the promise of a fantastic future for our students.”

Dr John Blake, Principal and Chief Executive of the lead sponsor, Sussex Downs College, said: “The Academy will not only improve educational opportunities for young people in the town but also play a role in the wider regeneration of the area. This project will unlock millions of pounds worth of investment for students and will allow the building of much-needed new accommodation and facilities. I am delighted with the Government's recognition of the importance of building on and developing educational and training opportunities for our young people, many of whom will progress to further and higher education and employment locally.”

Councillor David Elkin, East Sussex County Council's Lead Member for Learning and School Effectiveness, said: “This is great news for the Hampden Park community and the town as a whole. This Academy will be a chance for students and staff to build on the improvements already being made at ETC with fantastic new buildings, an exciting curriculum and a new identity. I can't wait to see the Academy taking shape.”

The new Academy will open in the school's existing buildings in 2010 with a target to open the new building in 2013. For more information please visit the Eastbourne Academy website.

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