Leap of faith for Blue Coat

TIMETABLE for change: Blue Coat pupils (from left) Hassan Shabbir, Chloe Skidmore, Boris Bentley, Eleanna Damianou, Lewis Hall and Alice Hughes

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School expansion opens door to non-Christians
CONTROVERSIAL plans to expand the size of Church of England Blue Coat school to admit children of other faiths have been given the green light.

Oldham Council has transferred land to Blue Coat Academy for 14 new classrooms to permit an extra 22 places for non-Christian youngsters.

Head teacher Julie Hollis revealed the school’s new admissions policy, which will begin next year.

She said: “Young people have traditionally attended Blue Coat from all parts of the diocese, receiving a distinctively Christian and Anglican education — and that will not change.

“Embracing the rich diversity of faith, culture and talent which makes up our society will ensure the school reflects our whole community while retaining its distinctive values. This has been very successful in our sixth form,

The academy insists all practising Anglicans will remain priority candidates for the bulk of each year’s 218-pupil intake.

A new access route is being created on the academy site to lead to the new modern two-storey building adjacent to Blue Coat’s sports hall.

Oldham Council is contributing nearly £2 million towards the construction — with the school paying for all the furniture, fittings and IT equipment.

Councillor Hugh McDonald said: “Blue Coat is an outstanding school and Oldham Council is delighted to be working alongside them to significantly expand teaching facilities and provision.”