Radcliffe parents choose new local High School

Friday, 1 March 2024 08:50

By David Murphy

The new Radcliffe High School Star Radcliffe Academy – which will open in September – has received over 160 applications from Bury residents.

Bury Council – working with Star Academies and the Department for Education – will be installing modular, temporary classrooms ahead of the construction of the modern, state-of-the-art, permanent facilities. The new building will be on the same site, ready for pupils in autumn 2025. Works to prepare the site are underway and construction is due to begin in March.

Radcliffe did not have a local secondary school for over a decade, until now, and the engagement from the community is a positive sign for the future of the new school. Star Radcliffe Academy is part of Star Academies, a large multi-academy trust which runs some of the highest-performing schools in England.

Councillor Lucy Smith, cabinet member for children and young people, said “It is great news that next September Radcliffe children can once again go to school in Radcliffe. We have campaigned for many years for a high school for Radcliffe and I am pleased to see this delivered alongside our ongoing regeneration work in the town."

Mr Paul Johnson, Principal of Star Radcliffe Academy, said “Whilst there is a clear need for a new secondary school in Radcliffe, it is extremely pleasing that so many local families have applied for a place for their child at Star Radcliffe Academy. We look forward to welcoming our first cohort of Year 7 pupils in September, and to working in partnership with the local community to deliver the best possible opportunities and outcomes for the young people of Radcliffe.”