Debate over academy title
THE name of the new academy to be opened in Wyke was discussed by Bradford Council's executive at a meeting this week.
A petition had been handed to the executive asking them to consider changing the name of the Appleton Academy so that it includes Wyke.
Wyke councillors and some residents feel that the Wyke ought to be included to give the college some identity, but others have said they do not want the new academy, which is due to open in September, to be associated with Wyke Manor which, although now out of special measures and much improved, was once considered to be a failing school.
The executive has asked the stakeholder Bradford College to consider changing the name. Bradford College is due to have the final say.
Coun David Robinson, one of the three local councillors who have been campaigning for the change, said: "We see the new academy as being a facility for the whole community, not just a school. In the past we had assurances that Wyke would be included in the name but it hasn't happened.
"Lots of people, including the Wyke Village Forum and the history group, have said they want Wyke to be included but the stakeholders didn't consult on the name until a decision was made. All the brochures and literature which have been printed have said Appleton Academy.
"They consulted parents, staff and pupils at Wyke Manor but the question they asked was 'Do you agree that Appleton Academy is the right name?'
"There's also talk of the library being incorporated too – so will that be called the Appleton Library as well? It's Wyke library, it needs its identity and it's frustrating that these stakeholders, who haven't put any money in, should have final say on the name."
The academy will be built on the site of High Fernley Primary School and will specialise in science and sport with places for 450 primary children and 650 secondary pupils.
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Friday 10 February 2012
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