I’m delighted to see the first pupils attending our new schools this week. It is our ambition that every child should receive a fantastic education with high quality teaching and the best facilities. With these additional places we want to make sure that all our children can benefit from an excellent education in their local area.



“The new schools and the expansions will provide the modern and aspirational facilities to support all our children and young people to realise their potential.

The first week of school in Sheffield (4th September 2018) sees the opening of two new state of the art, £25 million schools; Astrea Academy Sheffield in the north east and Mercia School in the south west.Totley and Ecclesall primary schools are also opening new extensions to their buildings this term, which together with the new schools mean that we are able to provide an extra 3000 school places for Sheffield’s children and young people.Councillor Jayne Dunn, the council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Skills said:The Astrea Academy Sheffield school will provide places for almost 1500 children aged from two through to 18. The new school incorporates a refurbishment of the Grade II listed former Pye Bank School, where the first pupils will be taught this September.Kim Walton, Executive Principle for Astrea Academy Sheffield said: “I am delighted to be opening our new academy - Astrea Academy Sheffield. Our academy motto is 'A relentless commitment to excellence - every day' and I firmly believe, that as our first cohort of pupils enter the academy gates they will be receiving the highest quality education from day one.“I feel an overwhelming joy both personally and professionally to be able to set the highest expectations and standards for our pupils and staff so that everyone can achieve. Ambition truly has no limits, both within Astrea Academy Sheffield and within our wider community. It is both an honour and privilege to be able to support, develop and encourage one of the most precious gifts in life - a child's future.”Mercia Learning Trust, the Multi-Academy Trust founded by King Ecgbert school, will be running the new secondary school, for pupils age 11-18 on the Bannerdale site, off Carter Knowle Road.Dean Webster, head teacher at Mercia school said: “The first day of school is finally upon us and we are absolutely delighted to welcome the inaugural Year 7 cohort. Preparing for Opening has been a marathon and I would like to pay tribute to the work of our teachers and colleagues within the Mercia Learning Trust. They have worked tirelessly to make our vision a reality and I am so grateful to them for their candour and determination. Without their tireless efforts throughout the last 18 months, we would not be here today. I would also like to commend the brave families who have trusted Mercia School with the educational futures of their children – we will work day and night, in partnership with you, to ensure your children reach their potential and beyond. Our Year 7s can now begin their journey. They will enjoy an exceptionally challenging curriculum led by inspirational teachers, in a calm, purposeful environment. We are so excited, let’s begin…”