Hillcrest Academy opens its doors

Hillcrest Early Years Academy (previously Hillcrest community Infant and Nursery School) converted to academy status in July, and celebrated its official launch last week.

On Wednesday 12th September, they held the official opening of the new Academy with important visitors attending the ceremony.

“We are very proud of the successes that our school has made over recent years and took the challenge of converting to our own independent academy towards the end of the last academic year,” said teacher Mrs Ginny Hickerton.

“After lots of behind the scenes hard work and decisions made by the children and parents of Hillcrest, the Hillcrest Early Years Academy was born!”

She continued: “Our children have been heavily involved in decisions about our new school uniform- changing from blue to a rather nice purple.”

“They were also asked to compile a wish list of things that they would like to change or to get within the school. Although some of these were a little far-fetched, including a school helicopter, some very interesting and sensible ideas were taken on board.”

Mrs Hickerton went on: “With the help of the children we have altered the entrance hall and now have the addition a beautiful tropical fish tank.”

“The children even chose the names of the fish!”

Principal of Bishop Grosseteste University College Professor Muriel Robinson and Professor Leonard Marsh OBE were the special guests of honour at the opening.

“They have both had a great influence upon our school, staff and pupils,” said Mrs Hickerton.

“As part of our opening ceremony, we had several readings from staff, parents and pupils - including our school song ‘the Hillcrest Rap’.”

“We also had the reading of our new Hillcrest Academy Prayer and the unveiling of the plaque listing all staff currently on role during the time of conversion to Hillcrest Early Years Academy.”

Mrs Hickerton added: “We are all very excited about the changes that are due to happen over the coming school year and beyond.

“We would very much like to thank Academy Principal Mrs Julie McDonald for all of the hard work that she continues to do for our school - without her strong vision and dedication, the successes that we have had and continue to have would not have been possible.”