London Diocese inaugurates fifth academy

The Anglican Diocese of London celebrated the opening of its fifth academy in the capital this week with an inauguration service.

Chelsea Academy opened its doors to Year 7 students last month. The academy is currently in temporary accommodation in Hortensia Road in Chelsea and will move to a brand new building in nearby Lots Road in September 2010. More than 1,000 students will attend the academy once it is completed, including 250 Sixth Form students.

Joint sponsored by the London Diocesan Board for Schools and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, the academy is the first secondary school to be built in the borough for 50 years.

Students and staff of Chelsea Academy were among the 100 guests who gathered for the service at Holy Trinity Church, Sloane Square.

The service was led by the Ven Stephan Welch, Archdeacon of Middlesex and Chair of Governors, and the Rev Rob Gillion, Area Dean of Chelsea and a fellow Governor.

It included performances from the academy choir and dance company, as well as reflections from students and staff on their hopes and dreams for the new school.

Referring to the anchor in the academy's badge, the Archdeacon encouraged them by saying that the academy was truly launched and afloat with the anchor of the Christian faith to steady and inspire it.

The Academy's principal, Andy Yarrow said: “This service is an extremely important event, marking the start of the academy. We are delighted that so many friends and supporters of the Academy are able to join the staff and students as they celebrate the academy’s inauguration and pray for God’s blessing on its future.”

Also present at the service were Councillor Merrick Cockell, Leader of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and Councillor Timothy Coleridge, Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea.

Councillor Cockell, Leader of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, said: “I was delighted to attend the inauguration service.

"The sight of 162 smartly uniformed pupils in Holy Trinity Church is ample reward for the long struggle the Council has had to bring this much needed school to the south of the borough.”