A high school in Bury which is starting a new era as an academy is undergoing a
£1m upgrade.
The Heys School, formerly Prestwich Arts College, has become part of The Rowan
Learning Trust. A programme of external and internal improvements is being carried
out in time for when pupils return for the new term on Monday, September 7.
External works include a new roof, new railings, signage and car park lighting, the
installation of electronic gates and improvements to the pupil entrance, paths, ramps
and walkways across the site on Heys Road.
Internally, the scheme involves the creation of new classrooms to form a larger
teaching area, an upgrade to the heating and electrical systems and new windows,
flooring and décor.
The Rowan Learning Trust, which includes five other schools across Wigan and
Knowsley, has also secured funds for the next phase of improvements at The Heys
School, which will incorporate upgrades to the library and more classrooms.
Head teacher Rachel Evans said: “We are thrilled that the trust has been able to
address urgent and essential issues to the buildings and external areas to bring
about much-needed improvements.
“They will make the site safer and more secure, will enable us to further develop the
curriculum, and will create better community access to our facilities.
“We are grateful to the Department for Education and the local authority for their
funding support and to The Rowan Learning Trust for immediately demonstrating its
commitment to improve the school for the benefit of students, staff and the wider
community.
The school, which has 760 pupils on its roll, became part of the trust on June 1.
Students were asked to suggest a new name for the school and design a new crest.
From a shortlist, the governors chose The Heys School, and a crest which features
the Manchester Bee. The school’s strapline is Realising Greatness.
Rachel said: “Involving students in the evolution and development of the school is
vitally important. We are thrilled with the new name and crest.”
