DERBY, UK—Derby’s first Sikh school has been given the Government go-ahead to open in September.
The Akaal Primary School, with classes for reception year and Year 1 pupils, will be housed in temporary buildings in Hartington Street behind the National Sikh Museum.
Lord Nash, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Schools, has given his approval for the school to enter into a funding agreement with the DfE, which has now been signed.
The school is opening on a temporary site while a permanent location is found and a new school built. Building work for the temporary site is about to begin.
The Department for Education will continue to work with Derby City Council to negotiate the release of a permanent site for the school in the Sunnyhill area.
Dr Daljit Virk, chairman of Akaal Academy Trust, which will run the school, said: “The school will provide a values-based education and a greater choice of primary schools in Derby.
“We are creating an outstanding school where all pupils will achieve highly. Our curriculum will give pupils exceptional all-round development and a life-long love of learning, as well as key skills in literacy and numeracy.
“As the school grows, we aim to be the first school in the East Midlands to follow the International Baccalaureate primary years programme.
“We are fortunate to have appointed the head teacher of an outstanding school in Sandwell, Vicki Kavanagh, as our executive head teacher.
“Julie Kennedy, who has had long experience in primary education, will join her as our head of school. We have also appointed one experienced teacher and a business manager.
“Further appointments of teachers, teaching assistants and other support staff are now under way.”
Akaal Primary School has no specific catchment area and meets the need for more primary school places in Normanton, Pear Tree, Sinfin, Stenson Fields, Littleover, Alvaston, Heatherton, Chellaston and adjoining areas, from where most of the pupils will come.
Dr Virk said: “Parents from as far as Hilton and Nottingham have also applied to admit their children. We will be writing to all parents who applied for a place to confirm their child’s admission.”
Akaal Primary School, which will provide 420 places by 2020, has some places still available. Application forms for admission can be downloaded from www.akaalprimary school.org and sent directly to: Executive Head Teacher c/o National Sikh Museum, Princes Street, Derby DE23 8NT.
