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Islington Tribune - by PETER GRUNER
Published: 14 September 2007

Pupils at St Mary Magdalene enjoy the new facilities on their first day

Academy defies the doubters to prove it really is a class act

Day one at new £39m school is declared a success by its delighted supporters

THEY argued that it would be too big or too “churchy” – or not big or “churchy” enough.
However, the new £39 million Church of England St Mary Magdalene Academy unceremoniously opened its doors this week determined to prove the doubters wrong.
About 400 fresh-faced youngsters in smart new uniforms began lessons on Monday at the new building in Lough Road, Holloway, which will eventually accommodate pupils aged from five to 19.
The Academy will specialise in Humanities and Global Citizenship with planned exchange visits to schools in China, Spain and possibly Africa.
Although parts of it are still a building site that didn’t deter the children and staff who went about their studies normally.
An official opening is being planned for later on this year or early in 2008.
No one was more delighted than school governor Martine Oborne, who has fought for the school against local critics and opponents to the academy idea.
Ms Oborne said she visited the school and was extremely impressed with the atmosphere and motivation of the pupils.
She said: “I think the school is absolutely amazing. It’s a beautiful design, the classrooms are really spacious with lots of light and high ceilings. It’s better than my expectations.”
Lib Dem Executive for Education Ursula Woolley said: “We’re really pleased with the amount of interest in the academy and the numbers of children who want to attend.
“It is, I believe, all Islington children with the exception of one special needs pupil. So it’s a local school and that’s important.
“We’re glad it got off to a good start and we’re looking forward to when it’s complete. It will be a great addition to our family of schools. We have a good mix of schools in the borough.”
She added that the second academy, Islington Green, will be ready about this time next year.
“I think two academy schools are plenty for the moment,” she said.
Academies are all-ability schools established by sponsors from business, faith or voluntary groups working with partners from the community and the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

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