Phase 2 of the UK’s only dedicated land-based academy has been officially opened in time to welcome its second intake of students in September.
The Rural Enterprise Academy, an initiative developed by South Staffordshire College, the NFU and Veolia, is a free school based at South Staffordshire College’s Rodbaston Campus. It opened its doors to the first cohort of students in September 2012 and has rapidly built a reputation as the place to be for budding rural entrepreneurs.
Students enjoy a full academic programme that includes traditional GCSEs, a range of BTECs, including land and animal courses, whilst also taking part in ‘Young Enterprise’, designed to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and executives. The students also enjoy the extra-curricula activities on offer, with choices including horse riding, horse care, Zoo Club, game bird management, farm duties and a range of countryside and conservation pastimes.
The Rural Enterprise Academy’s School Principal, Lorraine Makin, reflected on the Academy’s beginnings. “Last year we were just preparing to open our doors to our first cohort of students. Thanks to the wonderful pioneering spirit of both staff and students we have had many magic moments, culminating in an excellent first year.”
The Rural Enterprise Academy is set in a 180 hectare site which includes a zoo, fishery, formal gardens, horticulture and equine centre and with the opening of Phase 2, students will also enjoy additional bright and airy classrooms, well-equipped laboratories, IT suites and excellent sports facilities.
The first Academy students have settled in well to their new surroundings. Pollyanna Taylor (aged 14 from Codsall) said, “Coming to The Rural Enterprise Academy is the best decision I have ever made. My grades have improved and I have grown as a person.”
Asa Crinnian (aged 15 from Wednesbury) added, “The extra support I get has given me more confidence and I receive more respect from my peers and teachers at this school.”
Lauren Talbot (aged 15 from Codsall) commented, “I felt invisible in my previous school but not here. This school has changed me and I now know that I am an achiever.”
Toni-Anne Ward (aged 15 from Wolverhampton) said, “Since I came to this school my grades have really improved and I have so much more confidence.”
In her closing speech at the official opening ceremony Lorraine Makin referred to a quote attributed to American anthropologist Margaret Mead which related well to The Rural Enterprise Academy – “A small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”