Closing Telford arts school takes its final bow

Wrockwardine Wood Arts Academy closed its doors for the final time 82 years after it first opened.

The school will move to a new site next to Oakengates Leisure Centre from September, merging with Sutherland Co-Operative Academy.

The schools, which are both members of the Telford Co-operative Multi-Academy Trust, will be known as Telford Priory School.

Wrockwardine headteacher John Jones, who is retiring, said: "We have brought down the final curtain to celebrate 82 years of community education at Wrockwardine Wood.

"Generations of people have been to the school as students, parents, grandparents and great grandparents.

"This has been commemorated through a variety of events this year culminating in a community open day when over 500 people visited to view the archive material and meet old friends again.

"Yesterday was full of mixed emotions for staff and students as we bowed out with special assemblies and celebrations.

"Wrockwardine Wood has a culture that has endured significant local and world events which are a testament to the people who have shaped and formed the history of the school. Each and every one of us has contributed to make the school what it is and I am honoured to be the last serving headteacher of this wonderful school."

Wrockwardine and Sutherland are currently in special measures after being rated "inadequate" following two-day visits from Ofsted inspectors.

Lakeside Academy and Phoenix Academy, the other two schools in the TCMAT, were also rated inadequate. New sponsors The Community Academies Trust (CAT) will take over the schools from September.

Music teacher Ben Millington, 32, attended Wrockwardine Wood as a pupil before returning to teach the next generation of youngsters.

He left the school in 1999 and as a drummer secured a recording contract with his Telford band, Envy of the State. After touring the world the multi-instrumentalist is back.

He said: "We are a traditional performing arts school that does musicals but also focus on mainstream and pop music. We're all looking forward to moving to the new school but we'll make sure the traditions remain."

Alex Bennett, 12, in Year 8, is the third generation of his family to attend the school. He said: "We've all been quite upset about the school closing. My nan, sister and mother all went here. The main reason I wanted to come was because of the music and choir. My mum and nan are also upset about it going but we're still positive about the future at the new school."

Gemma Stanford, 15, Year 10, said she was sad to be leaving but added: "We do need new facilities and it's a shame I'll only be able to use them for one year. I have really enjoyed my time at Wrockwardine."

Luke Seedon, 13, in Year 8, said: "I love playing bass guitar performing in the school's soul band and my own band."

"We have just got back from performing in Holland, Germany and Belgium, which I really enjoyed."

Lily Patterson, 12, Year 8, said shes sad not to be able to spend the rest of her school years there. "It's like a second home to us and the music staff are like our family," she said. "The teachers are amazing."