Construction landmark reached

King’s Leadership Academy Bolton students have signed off on a major landmark for their new school building.

They gave their approval when attending a special ceremony to mark the building becoming watertight. It can now be fitted out for a scheduled handover by contractors Galliford Try, working on behalf of the Department of Education (DfE), in mid-December and ready for the start of the new term in January 2024.

This was the first chance for students, the school’s leadership team and staff members to inspect the building works and see progress on their soon-to-be state-of-art classrooms and science labs as well as facilities such as the library, sports hall and dining rooms. From the building’s roof, they also had a bird’s eye view of where the all-weather sports fields are being developed.

The enthusiasm for what they saw was expressed by Year 9 student Khadija Kaleem, who said: “The building is outstanding, and you can see how it is going to give us an amazing school experience. I can’t wait!”

Year 10 student Ali Riez endorsed that view and described the building as “unreal”, adding that he “can’t wait to get out on those new football pitches.”

David Crosby, Principal at King’s Bolton, added: “I was so proud of the students who came to mark this significant landmark. Walking around the site, even as fit-out begins, I feel this will be a very special building.

“There is a rising excitement within the school for our move and we are all looking forward to January when we can start the Spring term in the new facilities.” 

Shane Ierston, Chief Executive Officer of the Great Schools Trust which runs the King’s Leadership Academy Bolton, is delighted with what has been achieved so far and added: “Having the building watertight is a significant day for everyone involved with the school. We have seen on our visit how impressive and beneficial the new building will be to the students and staff at King’s Bolton.”

Andy Ward, Operations Director, Galliford Try Building North West, who hosted the visit said: “It was great to meet the students, leadership team and staff on a beautiful sunny day in Bolton, where we could all appreciate the wonderful new space that we’re delivering for the Great Schools Trust and the Department for Education. 

Not only will the new facility provide a fantastic new learning environment, but we are proud to be delivering a whole host of social value benefits for the Trust and local community including T-Level placements, apprenticeships, training weeks, educational site visits and career insight days.”

King’s Leadership Academy Bolton is a non-selective free independent school in the state sector that is providing a world-class education for the young people of Great Lever. King’s Leadership Academy Bolton is founded on international research and traditional values, focusing on leadership and academic development. The school is vibrant and diverse; and enjoys a strong sense of community amongst staff and students.

The school opened in September 2019 in response to the growing demand for additional school places in the local area and has been oversubscribed each year since.