Edgar Wood Academy is accepting applications for its first year 7 students ahead of next year's opening

Date published: 25 November 2020

Edgar Wood Academy is accepting applications for its first year 7 students ahead of a planned opening for September 2021.

The state-funded secondary school has been working closely with Rochdale Borough Council to meet the estimated shortfall of places for current year 6 students and is proposed to open with an initial intake of 120 year 7 students in temporary accommodation within the grounds of Hopwood Hall College’s Middleton campus in September 2021.

The permanent school building is targeted to open in September 2022 and outline planning permission has been granted for the site at Bowlee, accessed off Heywood Old Road in Middleton.

As Edgar Wood Academy will process applications outside the normal local authority process for its opening year, an application to Edgar Wood Academy will be considered entirely separately from other schools already applied for through Rochdale Borough Council.

This means that applicants may be offered two places in March 2021: one from Edgar Wood Academy and one through Rochdale Borough Council. Parents can then make their final choice once offers are made.

Altus Education Partnership, which is responsible for Rochdale Sixth Form College, will operate Edgar Wood Academy and has appointed of Marcin Kojder as Headteacher Designate. A senior leader with 24 years’ experience working within secondary education, Marcin has been closely involved in the development of Edgar Wood Academy.

Mr Kojder said: “I am committed to the principle of outstanding, comprehensive education. Having worked for 12 years in a high performing comprehensive school in Rochdale I understand how successful educational provision can be achieved in Middleton and Heywood.

“At Edgar Wood Academy, we believe in strong pastoral support with high expectations and pledge to provide each student with the knowledge and skills to progress to an aspirational career, a fulfilling life and make a positive contribution to their local community,” continued Marcin.

“I am incredibly excited and privileged to be taking on the role of Headteacher at Edgar Wood Academy and will work hard to ensure we deliver a world-class education to the students and community we are proud to serve.”

Altus Education Partnership is now formally consulting on its proposals to open Edgar Wood Academy in September 2021 with all views and feedback welcome. 

The consultation period runs until 12noon on Friday 15 January and further information can be found on the consultation pages of the school’s website: www.edgarwood.org/consultation