A SECONDARY school has begun a new chapter after converting to an academy.

Outwood Academy Haydock, formerly Haydock High School, has officially opened its doors to students as part of Outwood Grange Academies Trust.

The Trust was selected as the preferred sponsor of the Clipsley Lane-based secondary school by the Regional Schools Commissioner.

The academy will be led by Phil Abram, who was head of school at Haydock High.

Phil will work alongside Outwood’s Julie Slater, chief executive principal secondary, and Cara Ackroyd, associate executive principal.

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Phil said: “This is a great moment for our school’s community, and we are delighted to become a part of the Outwood Family.

“Staff from Haydock and Outwood have worked hand in hand to prepare for the official conversion and to ensure the very best for our students. As Outwood Academy Haydock we will always continue to be at the heart of the Haydock community.”

Julie Slater said: “I am so excited for the journey we are embarking on with not just the staff and students, but also the wider community. Being originally from the North West, I know this area well so it feels like I am coming home and this has just made me more determined to succeed.

“I would like to thank the students, families, staff and governors at Haydock for their patience and support during the academisation reprocess.

"Our Trust has a proven track record in school improvement and, as such, we will do everything we can to help to ensure the students at the school receive the best possible education that prepares them well for their future and ensures that they become good citizens.”

Outwood Academy Haydock is one of two Outwood academies opening this month, with Outwood Academy Hindley also opening in Wigan.

Cara Ackroyd, Associate Executive Principal at Outwood, added: "In the time we have been working with the school, we have seen the potential that Haydock High School has thanks to the hard-working, committed staff and bright, articulate students who are keen to do well.”

As part of the conversion, Outwood have worked with the Department for Education to secure a capital investment which will result in a plan to transform the current buildings and build new state-of-the-art classrooms and facilities.