The Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu is to officially open Eskdale Academy, Hartlepool part of the Stranton Academy Trust on Friday 5 December 2014. ‍The Archbishop was welcomed at the Academy by Headteacher Liz Killeen who is also an Ambassador for his Youth Trust.  Alongside Ms Killeen will be 42 Key Stage 2 Archbishop of York Youth Trust Young Leaders who will be presented with certificates & badges by the Archbishop.

Liz Killeen Headteacher said:

“We are delighted to welcome the Archbishop to Eskdale Academy and for him to officially open our Academy. This will be an exciting day for staff, governors, pupils and parents.  We as a school and community are working really hard to achieve outstanding results and we recently recorded our best-ever SATs results and achieved a ‘Good’ Ofsted rating. Our Young Leaders have also made fantastic progress in serving others by completing the Archbishop of York Youth Trust Young Leaders Award and they will be presented their certificates by the Archbishop in our assembly”.

Jake, a Year 6 pupil said:

“In the Archie programme, I got to learn about how to cope with feelings like being angry or sad and how to make better choices.  I loved learning the rap which we will sing to the Archbishop and have had fun in being the change I want to see”.

The Archbishop is to tour Eskdale Academy, he will speak in assembly and is to visit some morning classes, meeting staff and pupils. He will unveil a plaque to officially open Eskdale Academy alongside Jimmy Montgomery.

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu said:

“Eskdale’s motto of Believe and Achieve is well-chosen! My message to the staff, pupils, parents, carers and governors is to keep up the good work!”