crich area community news
Alfreton Grange Arts College
The September term saw a new name and a new image in the world of education in Derbyshire, for opening its doors to students for the very first time is Alfreton Grange Arts College.
Previously known as Mortimer Wilson School, as it had been since its inception in 1939, the college, newly appointed specialists in visual and performing arts, has also changed its dress code and re-adopted the blazer and school tie last in evidence in the mid-1980’s.
“The local community has been very positive about us returning to a blazer, shirt and tie uniform,” said Headteacher Wendy Sharp, who added, “I’ve already received many compliments from members of the public about how smart our students look. The students themselves have really made an effort and we had absolutely no problems with their appearance on their first day back.”
One positive consequence of the conferring of arts status on the college has been a grant of in the region of £100,000 to spend on improving the area of specialism. Business Manager Phil Tooley expanded, “The money has allowed us to install electronically-driven tiered seating in our hall, turning that into a superb theatre area. We’ve also created a dance studio, arts suite and have installed our own television station, GTV.”
Mrs Sharp added, “The name’s changed, the uniform’s changed and the feel of the place has changed, all for the better and when combined with the best ever set of GCSE results this school has ever experienced, the town of Alfreton has never had a better establishment to educate its young people in.”
Tom Bexton & Emma Coleman