Doncaster special school to open - even though building is not complete

Its building may not be finished – but Doncaster’s newest school is still set to open next week.
By David Kessen
Published 26th Aug 2020, 16:45 GMT
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Due to the coronavirus pandemic, completion of the new Bader Special School building in Edenthorpe has been delayed until early 2021.

However, the new school, which will be run as a free school, will open on a temporary site nearby, called The Bridge, for new year seven pupils, who otherwise would not have had a school place in September.

The opening date will be September 1.

The Bader Special School will open in Edenthorpe, Doncaster, on September 1The Bader Special School will open in Edenthorpe, Doncaster, on September 1
The Bader Special School will open in Edenthorpe, Doncaster, on September 1
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Bader Academy has been funded by the Government’s Free School programme, and will create an extra 100 places for children aged five to 19 with communication and interaction difficulties.

It will be operated by Nexus multi-academy trust (MAT).

The school will start with 50 pupils on roll and build up to full numbers of the next couple of years.

Nexus chief executive, Warren Carratt, said: “We are so proud and privileged to be opening our new, ‘free’ special school. The successful completion of this project is testament to the hard work of colleagues from Doncaster Council, Willmott Dixon, Nexus MAT and the Department for Education.

The Bader Special School will open in Edenthorpe, Doncaster, on September 1The Bader Special School will open in Edenthorpe, Doncaster, on September 1
The Bader Special School will open in Edenthorpe, Doncaster, on September 1

“We have chosen to name this academy to honour the legacy of local Doncaster hero Sir Douglas Bader, who came through great adversity to inspire so many, in what was one of the most inspiring generations in our proud nation’s history.

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“The school has a state of the art building and we have appointed a first class teaching team. Combined, this will make such a positive impact on the learning of the pupils we serve. This free special school will make an immeasurable difference to the lives of local families.”

Sir Douglas Bader was a Battle of Britain hero who flew a Spitfire in combat despite losing both legs in a pre-war flying accident.

Steve Booth, Nexus MAT director added: “I have been involved in this project from inception to today - on the eve of opening - and it’s been a positive experience throughout.

“The building is breath-taking and we cannot wait for it to be finished so we can move in and bring more pupils onto the Bader roll.”

Related topics:DoncasterMAT