The Co-operative Travel has become lead sponsor of one of five new academy schools being developed in Stoke-on-Trent.
The Co-operative Academy at Brownhills in Tunstall is officially opened today.
The Academy – which will specialise in business, maths and computing – will spend its first two years in the refurbished buildings of its predecessor school, Brownhills Maths and Computing College. It will then move to a £21.4 million building to be constructed on the existing site and open in September 2012.
The Co-operative Travel is the main sponsor along with Stoke-on-Trent College and Staffordshire University.
Managing director Mike Greenacre said: “The Co-operative Travel Group is truly proud to be the lead sponsor of this new Academy, which is part of our wider national education programme. We believe passionately in high quality education and support for the positive development for all young people.
“The Academy will provide its students not only with a first class education, but also with the opportunity to develop the skills that will help them realise their potential.”
Principal Andy Stanier said: “Establishing the Academy has made us review and challenge our previous practices, and put into operation new strategies to engage and enthuse the students to further raise achievement.
“Working with the sponsors, and in particular the lead sponsors and The Co-operative membership, has led to increased engagement with all interested parties and access to wider educational opportunities.”