Basingstoke’s newest school, the Austen Academy, run by Catch 22, was officially opened on 21 October.
Maria said, “This brand new, specialist school, will help more children reach their full potential. This £10 million project was delivered on time despite the pandemic - part of more than £60million being invested in our local schools - demonstrating the Government’s backing for Basingstoke and its commitment to support and improve specialist provision alongside mainstream education. At the launch we heard about the profound impact the school is already making for children and parents.
I would like to wish the school, its pupils, and all the staff, the very best of success for the future, and I look forward to visiting again soon.”
At the opening ceremony, Maria and other attendees were addressed by the Headteacher and Chair of Governors, as well as students and a parent, who gave powerful first-hand accounts of how the school is having a positive impact on their lives.
The Austen Academy is a purpose built Special Educational Needs (SEN) school, providing personalised academic and therapeutic programmes to learners from Year 1 to Year 11, whose needs cannot be met within a mainstream environment. The school opened to its first pupils in April and will continue to grow to provide places for up to 128 children. It is part of the Catch 22 Multi Academies Trust, who already have expert experience providing SEN teaching in Basingstoke through the Coppice Spring Academy and Ashwood Academy.