PLANS have been unveiled for a new free school which could be built on a site alongside Chester Cathedral.
The new Church of England primary school would be built within existing buildings in Abbey Square and would accept up to 180 pupils from all faiths.
The plans were unveiled this week by The University of Chester Academies Trust (UCAT), in partnership with Chester Cathedral, and the school could open as early as September, 2013.
UCAT spokesman Lindsay Pilling said: “The school’s vision is to provide an environment where every pupil achieves their potential so the power of education radically improves their life-chances.
“The rationale for creating the proposed free school is to serve a need in the Chester area where there is no primary school of this type.
“There is a general excess of demand over supply for places offering a high quality primary experience together with specialist provision to identify and nurture musical and vocal talent.”
Specialising in all forms of music and singing, the school would offer an extended day where pupils could have up to six hours per week for music and vocal tuition.
The curriculum will support “high academic attainment and progress”.
Ms Pilling said: “The curriculum will reflect the school’s distinctive ethos: the inclusive fostering of self-belief, aspiration and achievement through teamwork and individual expression.
“We will encourage high standards of behaviour, presentation and mutual respect. Our school’s motto is “A Voice for Every Child” delivered through separate but complementary strands: music, communication and active citizenship.”
Chief executive of UCAT, Dr Colin Hankinson, added: “Our vision is to provide a state-funded, all ability school where every pupil achieves their potential and so the power of education radically improves their life chances.”
In addition to the National Curriculum, the school will focus on musical and vocal development, personal learning and thinking skills, reading, numeracy and literacy and modern languages with an option to study Latin.
For more information call 01244 512502 or register your interest at http://UCAT.chester.ac.uk