Blackheath Bluecoat Church of England school is set to move to a brand new building off Millennium Way on the Greenwich Peninsula.
The Governing Body of the 300 year old school has unanimously agreed the move, subject to the decomissioning of a nearby gas holder, or the provision of a suitable site nearby if that isn't possible. If all goes to plan, the move could be complete by the summer of 2012.
Executive Headteacher Jeffrey Risbridger said:
“We are absolutely delighted to be given this opportunity to move to what promises to be a remarkable building.
“We are enormously grateful to Greenwich Council and the Diocese of Southwark for their unflinching support for this proposal. However we will also remain focused on the vital work of continuing to raise the standard of pupil achievement at Blackheath Bluecoat School.”
Chair of Governors David Prescott added:
“It’s fitting that 310 years on from the first Bluecoat in Greenwich, we’re now writing the next chapter in the school’s impressive history.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to provide a first-class secondary school specialising in maths and computing on the Peninsula and we’re absolutely delighted that staff, pupils and parents are fully behind the move. "
Councillor Jackie Smith, Greenwich Council Cabinet for Children and Young People said:
“The Greenwich peninsula offers excellent educational opportunities for young people to really drive up their attainment as part of the huge investment in new facilities, skills and local partnerships.”
“The year sees the relocation to the peninsula of the internationally renowned Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication. The College is a world leader in its field and will provide students additional access to the very best technology and learning facilities.
“The school will further benefit from its close proximity to an ever growing business community, and on its doorstep will be The O2, the world’s most successful music and entertainment venue.”
In November 2009, a planned move for the John Roan School to the peninsula was called off.
The Blackheath Bluecoat school is currently on Old Dover Road, SE3, but its history can be traced back to 1700 when a school for 30 girls was created in a house on what has now become Greenwich High Road.
The press reports that “Bluecoat governors say their school’s planned move had received no opposition from parents, pupils or staff.” But how many of us even knew about it?
Of course, there is no need to consult with anybody because Bluecoat is within two miles of the Peninsula site.
By the way, is the very supportive chair of governors, David Prescott, the fellow of the same name who’s a very active member of the Greenwich and Woolwich Labour Party?
I have been trying to find an old friend of mine, we grew up in Reading his name was mike Blyth i was sure he went to one of the Blue coat schools, then he went on to Radio operators school. If anyone has any recolection of Mike I would dearly love to get in touch. I imigrated to the States in 1965 we should both be about the sdame age ie 74 years. many thanks uin advance. John Bricknell