Pupils attend first day at new Sunderland school building which was unveiled today

The sun shone as staff at Harry Watts Academy, part of Prosper Learning Trust, welcomed pupils to their new school building.

Harry Watts Academy opened in September 2020 at the former Harraton Primary School in Washington.

Related article: New Sunderland school to be named after 'superman' sailor and diver Harry Watts

This temporary provision was utilised while work was being completed on the new build at Hylton Redhouse, Sunderland.

Harry Watts Academy will eventually accommodate up to 96 pupils autistic pupils.

The school has 41 pupils on roll who all moved to the new building today.

Prosper Learning Trust said working together with stakeholders and partners they will create a school which is recognised as a centre of excellence both regionally and nationally.

Derek Cogle, headteacher, Harry Watts Academy, said: “Having opened our school in September, with such fantastic children and an amazing staff, I am extremely excited to move into our incredible new building and continue developing Harry Watts Academy into an outstanding specialist provision for pupils, in order to create the best possible opportunities and outcomes for them and their families.”

“This has been a long process and has involved the dedication and vision of a great number of people, to whom I am forever grateful. We look forward to creating some enriching memories.”

Mark Jones, chief executive officer, Prosper Learning Trust said: “This is an exciting time for Prosper Learning Trust, we are proud to deliver a school which will serve the young people of Sunderland and neighbouring areas.

"I would like to say a big thank you to all our partners who have supported Prosper Learning Trust in the development of Harry Watts Academy.”

Dan Doherty, regional director at Kier Regional Building North and Scotland, said: “We are immensely proud to be handing this project over to Sunderland City Council and Prosper Learning Trust. It is testament to our team working on the school that it has been handed over on time and especially impressive as they had to adapt to the introduction of social distancing guidelines.

"It is a much-needed specialist facility in the Sunderland area and I look forward to seeing it supporting local pupils and their families for many years to come.”

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