In a new wave of Free Schools announced today by the Department for Education, XP Gateshead has been approved and aims to open this September. The new school is part of the XP School Trust,
XP Gateshead is an exciting and innovative new secondary school for 11-16 year olds. The school will be based on the same model as the strikingly successful XP schools in Doncaster. Initially the school will open with 50 students in Year 7.
Students at XP Gateshead will follow a curriculum that focuses on character development, academic success and the creation of beautiful work that connects them to and improves their community.
The aim is for the school to be based at the former Thomas Hepburn Community Academy site in Gateshead.
Gwyn ap Harri CEO of the XP Schools Trust commented:
“We’re thrilled with this news. We know from the fantastic feedback from the local community in Gateshead earlier this year, that there is strong support for our plans for the school.”
“The school will address a need for secondary places and hopefully use an existing school building that has been mothballed. It’s a win win.”
“We are looking forward to working with families, students, the community and the local authority in the coming months and years, to make XP Gateshead a positive addition to the educational offer in the North East and a beacon for beautiful work and exceptional outcomes.”
More announcements about the school will follow in the coming weeks.