New school in Feltham

The governors have signed the funding agreement with the Department for Education, approving the school for opening.

The school will open in Bridge House, a former job centre next to Feltham Station. It will be based there for the first year, before moving to Fern House, opposite Tesco in Feltham High Street, in September 2013. The renovation of Fern House will take place during the next 12 months and the aim being to turn it into first class school accommodation. There will also be a nursery and a new sports hall on the site.

Principal Ed Vainker says he is delighted that the funding agreement has now been signed. He said: “Preparations are going very well for opening.We have recruited our staff, are developing the curriculum and will begin home visits to our first cohort of pupils next week.

"Our school will be different – taking children from four to 18 and it will be small, with only 60 pupils in each year. We will also have the highest academic and behavioural expectations.”

New staff member Kay Stone said: “I have lived in Feltham since I was two and have grown up, and been to primary and secondary schools around here which is why I am really excited to be joining the team at Reach Academy. "Reach's aim and vision is to benefit, and be at the heart of, the community of Feltham and to enable all its children to realise their potential. It will create fantastic opportunities for local children and their families.”

Year 7s will be visiting Jamie’s Farm as part of their taster day in early July, the first of many trips and visits that pupils will take throughout their time at Reach.They will also attend Summer School in late July.

There are still a few places left in year 7 for the new school, which will offer a small, all-through education, as well as a focus on English and Maths.

To learn more visit the office at Kings House in Browells Lane, visit http://www.reachacademyfeltham.com or call 07816 780 881 to speak to the Principal and his team and arrange a meeting.