Project update: New cohort chosen as building work continues at Blackpool school

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Armfield Academy is on course to open in September with three classes: Reception, Nursery, and Year SevenArmfield Academy is on course to open in September with three classes: Reception, Nursery, and Year Seven
Armfield Academy is on course to open in September with three classes: Reception, Nursery, and Year Seven
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Project update: Armfield Academy

Youngsters who will make up the Armfield Academy’s first reception class found out they had won their place earlier this week.

Their parents will meet at the Globe Theatre at Blackpool Pleasure Beach from 6.30pm on Wednesday, as building work at the school continues.

How’s work going?

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The huge project at the former Arnold School in Lytham Road, South Shore, remains on target, and the buildings on the south side of Arnold Avenue will be ready to welcome the 60 reception pupils, as well as a nursery class and 160 Year Seven children.

Windows are being installed, with work on the roof is said to be around 95 per cent done.

Plastering on the upper floors should be done by the end of next week, while all timber floors on the first floor have been replaced with a new, moisture resistant chipboard.

Mechanical and electrical work is being sorted, with a new boiler house is built.

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The new car park is also being formed, and an attenuation tank built.

What’s next?

The new three storey premises on the north side of the site are scheduled to be completed by next year.

Some of the old Arnold building are being saved.

The design and technology block, the Memorial Hall and the Sports Hall will all be refurbished.

Demolition of the main three storey block of the old school was completed earlier this year.

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The academy, named after former Arnold pupil and Blackpool and England captain Jimmy Armfield, will eventually have 1,280 pupils.

It plans to be full by 2025 with building work done by next year.

Who will be head?

Chris Lickiss, the former headteacher at Unity Academy in North Shore, also run by the Fylde Coast Academy Trust (FCAT), has taken the helm.

He has previously said how he was ‘honoured’ to have been given the job.