With the new term firmly underway at Arc School Old Arley, we spoke with Headteacher Jenny Arnold about the £1m refurbishment the school has undergone over the summer and her plans for the coming year.

“We were incredibly proud of our Year 11 leavers and all they achieved in terms of qualifications. As well as academic subjects, they gained qualifications in a number of additional subjects and prestigious accreditations.

“We are incredibly ambitious for our young people and as we move into the coming academic year, our curricular intent is for pupils to move on from us with an average of nine qualifications each. That might include academic subjects such as GCSEs, Foundational Skills, Entry Level Certificates or equivalent and a mix of vocational and other qualifications.

“To help us achieve those curriculum ambitions, particularly in supporting our students to gain vocational experience and qualifications and accreditations, over the summer we completed a £1m refurbishment of the school.

“We’ve created a beauty spa to support health and beauty vocational courses and a construction area where students can learn about and practice painting and decorating, joinery and skills associated with building,

“We have also improved the acoustics and lighting throughout the school to create learning spaces which are more sensory and learning friendly. We’ve also revamped all our classrooms and hygiene spaces and have a brand-new reception area.

“The school’s facilities really support young people to gain the experience and skills they need to take the next positive steps on their learning journey and we’re excited to see our fantastic new learning spaces being put to use as the terms continue.”