New Site Confirmed for Cathedral School
Derby Cathedral School, which was given the green light by the Department for Education to progress to the ‘pre-opening’ stage last year, has announced that the Education and Skills Funding Agency has secured their permanent site, having acquired the western half of the former Friar Gate Goods Yard site.

Derby Cathedral School will open in September 2018 in temporary accommodation at Midland House (Nelson Street, Derby), before moving to brand new state of the art facilities located at the Friar Gate Goods Yard site. The development and construction of the permanent site and buildings is expected to take three years.

Dean of the Cathedral the Very Revd Dr Stephen Hance, says: “Derby Cathedral School is opening in response to local support for our proposals to provide high-quality education provision within a nurturing Church of England environment and to help meet the need for more Secondary School places.

We are delighted that we can now announce where the permanent site for the school will be. Friar Gate Goods Yard was our preferred location from the very beginning due to its central location within close proximity to the Cathedral, and its need for development to enhance the infrastructure of the City”.

David Channon, Director of Education for the Diocese of Derby and CEO of Derby Diocesan Academy Trust (DDAT) says: “Following this significant milestone, the Trust and Project Team are working hard to develop plans for the refurbishment of the temporary site, appoint a full complement of staff for the first year, and finalise the education plans and policies which are being refined by our Headteacher Designate, Mr. Gordon Inglis. We are also continuing to work in very close partnership with Derby City Council in developing this exciting new school for the Children and Young people in Derby”.

Admissions for the Derby Cathedral School remain open and can be made via the school website: www.derbycathedralschool.org.uk

Although applications will be managed outside the Local Authority coordinated admissions process in the first year, the Cathedral School team are working extremely closely with the relevant departments of Derby City Council. Applications are invited from those of all faiths and none.

Plans for the development of the 9-acre site secured are currently being progressed and will be shared with the community as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, refurbishment works on Midland House (the school’s temporary site) will begin in the Spring Term 2018 to ensure that the building can meet the needs of a new Church of England secondary school opening in September 2018.