The site of a new Church of England Academy in Bradford was blessed by Acting Bishop of Bradford, Tom Butler, on Friday 30 May, at a ceremony marking the start of construction.
Due to open in September 2015, the school is called Bradford Forster Academy, after William Forster MP who pioneered education for all.
It’s the second CofE Academy (along with the nearby Bradford Academy) of the Bradford Diocesan Academy Trust (BDAT), which runs many CofE Academies in the Bradford Metropolitan District.
Located on Fenby Road in East Bowling it’s expected to reach its full capacity of 1050 pupils by 2019.
At the ceremony, Bishop Tom prayed for the school’s construction and successful development. The Ven David Lee, Chair of BDAT, said, “We’re delighted to see construction begin. The school will provide excellent education in BD4, and as with all Church of England schools it will be open to children of any background – from all faiths and none.”