Academy pupils impressed

THIS morning heralded a new start for hundreds of children in Peterborough as the £51 million Thomas Deacon Academy opened its doors.

Most of the pupils arrived early for the 9am start, with head Alan McMurdo welcoming the Year 11 pupils at the gates.

Read more: The dawn of a new age in education in Peterborough.
Read interviews:
Alan McMurdo, head teacher of The Thomas Deacon Academy.
Hugh Howe, head teacher of The Voyager School.
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However, it was a low key opening, as about 500 of the 2,200 expected pupils were ushered towards their classes by the waiting teachers.

Mr McMurdo said: "We are opening for Year 11s and Year 13s today, as they are in the final year of exams.

"We are all very excited to get going, as it has been a long time coming. This is what the building was built for, so we are very pleased to see everyone here at last."

The other pupils starting at the school will arrive throughout the week, with Years 7 and 8 starting tomorrow, Year 9 on Wednesday and Year 10 on Thursday.

Mr McMurdo added: "The pupils had a look round last week, and they were very enthusiastic about what they saw. Even the most cynical youngsters were impressed.

"The staff have been working hard to get the place looking fantastic, and they are all eager to start."

Peter Wade (15), who is moving from Deacon's School to the academy, said: "I am keen to get going now. I saw the school growing from Deacon's and it should be really good. It looks a bit grey, but I am sure it will be OK."

And Chris Porter (15), who was also at Deacon's School, added: "It is all a little chaotic at the moment, but when we were on the tour last week it looked really revolutionary."

The new school has been hit by controversy since building started, including running over budget, announcing there would be no playground for pupils and arguments over the cost of new school uniforms.