As 2018 drew to a close, the students, parents, staff, directors and supporters of Newbury School gathered in the newly revamped space to celebrate their official opening.
The independent education centre re-opened its doors following a moving into new premises in the Cuckoo Wharf office units in Aston. Fitted with brand new classroom facilities and a host of activity spaces, the school had recently received a positive Ofsted report.
Gary Belcher, the school’s Principal delivered his speech introducing the various initiatives the school takes part in to help end Aston’s gang and crime problem.
Headmaster Gary Belcher during his speech at the opening of Newbury School
“Newbury school seeks to provide young people, who have historically struggled with mainstream schooling, an alternative route in education”, said Gary. “These new premises will allow us to take on more students and to help change more lives for the better.”
Councillor Yvonne Mosquito, Lord Mayor of Birmingham, attended the opening to show the council’s support for Newbury School and everything it does for its students. In an impassioned speech, Councillor Mosquito said “This is an institution that says to me that no child is left behind, that every child is of value to this world. This school is a place where people can develop a sense of their importance and who they are.”
She continued, “I say to parents and children to harness and utilise the support and love that you are getting from this institution and you will achieve anything that you want.”
Lord Mayor of Birmingham Councillor Yvonne Mosquito
Members of the Birmingham Police Force took time out of their day to come and show their support for the students. Collaboratively, they are committed putting an end to the gang culture that has been at large in and around Birmingham.
Belcher elaborated, “Having a police presence at the school helps to show these kids, who may have been involved in crime at one point or another, that police are not the enemy and are here to help. They’ll often drop by for workshops and have become friendly faces on campus that our students can relate to.”
WAWI members performing a salute
Also in attendance at the event were long standing supporters, the Why Are West Indians Project, an organisation that dedicates time to the West Indian armed forces community who have fought hard for the UK, be it on the front line or behind the scenes. After completing a marching display the WAWI delivered a strong message of unity and patriotism.
The WAWI is a group that lies close to Director, Anthony Walters’ heart, having served 15 years in the Royal Airforce himself.
UrbanWorkSpace, the property developer that manages Cuckoo Wharf and numerous other commercial properties in Birmingham, came down to show their support for what Newbury School is doing for the youth of Aston.
Karl Pountney, director of UrbanWorkSpace, had the following to say, “All of us at UrbanWorkSpace are incredibly proud to have been able to provide a home to the students and staff of Newbury School, seeing them accomplish so much for their students in addition to working tirelessly with us to truly transform the space at Cuckoo Wharf was the perfect end to a fantastic year.”
To find out more about Newbury School and what they do, you can contact their referrals team by email at [email protected], or by phone on: 0121 7254687
Alternatively, you can get in touch with headteacher Gary Belcher directly on 0121 794 4039 or by email at: [email protected] to discuss the services they provide.