Date published: 03 May 2010

A new era in education is about to start in Droylsden. Construction of the new Droylsden Academy is set to begin within days, and will eventually provide world-class learning facilities for 1,200 pupils.

Financial close has been achieved for the project, which means that all the financial and legal agreements between the various parties have been completed following several months of very hard work by staff from Tameside Council and the Local Education Partnership (LEP).

The academy was created last September by the amalgamation of Littlemoss High School for Boys and Droylsden School Maths and Computing College for Girls. The new building will be on the latter’s Manor Road site. The new school will be spacious with a light and airy feel, providing inspiration for users and visitors alike.

Droylsden Academy will also have managed ICT (information and communications technology) services and work should be completed in time for summer 2012. The academy is sponsored by Tameside College and specialises in maths and technology.

The £28 million project forms part of Tameside Council’s £300 million Building Schools for the Future programme, a PFI (private finance initiative) contract and the biggest capital programme the borough has ever known.

Work will be carried out by inspiredspaces, a company set up by Carillion, a Tameside Council partner and dedicated to educational transformation.

Cllr Gerald Cooney, Executive Member for Lifelong Learning, said: “Along with my fellow councillors I am delighted that construction is about to start. The academy building will be one of the best in the country and fully equipped to provide pupils with a 21st century education.”