Temporary school welcomes pupils for first time

A temporary school built to replace a Derbyshire academy set to be demolished over safety concerns has opened.

Mercia Academy, in Sunnyside, Newhall, was evacuated in November after structural issues within the building were identified.

For the remainder of the year, its 588 pupils were taught in a variety of other locations, include a museum and a defunct day centre.

The interim school has been created out of 130 flat-pack modules and has opened for the new academic year.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said the temporary school sits mostly on the existing playing fields and will remain there for four years, ahead of the eventual demolition of the current academy and its replacement with a new school.

Jackie Cooper, Mercia Academy principal, said: "I am thrilled to be welcoming Mercia Academy students back into their new school building for the 2024-25 academic year.

“The facilities are second-to-none and provide a wonderful learning environment for students and staff alike."

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