16th September 2016
Derby Cathedral and Derby Diocesan Academy Trust (DDAT) are DELIGHTED to announce that the Secretary of State for Education has decided that our application to establish Derby Cathedral School should proceed to the next stage of the free schools process – the pre-opening phase. This is a significant step towards opening our school.
Derby Cathedral School is proposed to be the first Church of England Secondary School within the Diocese of Derby. We wish to thank everyone that supported and helped create the vision to establish this important school.
Dean of Derby Cathedral, The Very Reverend Dr John Davies, says:
“I am thrilled that the Department for Education has recognised the need for a new secondary school, committed to raising aspirations and opportunities, serving the families of Derby. We now have the opportunity to work with parents and the community to develop an outstanding school that will equip students with skills and qualifications that will enable them to access high quality careers in and around the City. I can’t wait to start work with my colleagues and our partners to make this great vision become a reality.”
Bishop Alastair Redfern, Chair of Derby Diocesan Academy Trust comments:
“This is tremendous news for everyone, and I know so many parents and supporters have been waiting with baited breath on the outcome of the DfE decision. We have been overwhelmed with the levels of support and encouragement that we have had for this proposed school, from councillors to MPs, from local schools to the Cathedral congregation and critically from the communities in and around Derby.”
The Trust will start planning its Pre-Opening programme, including further consultations and events in Derby, leading up to the opening of the school. One of the first tasks will be to determine the site for the school working closely with the Education Funding Agency, and once identified a proposed opening date for the new school will be announced. The Trust will share its programme as soon as it is developed and agreed with the Department for Education.
