A SERVICE OF blessing and dedication led by the Bishop of Coventry, the Right Reverend Dr Christopher Cocksworth, has been held to officially open Rugby’s newest school.
St Gabriel’s Church of England Academy is the first school to open in Houlton, the new neighbourhood being built on the old radio mast site west of Hillmorton.
In September, 71 pupils joined the school, many from the new community as well as neighbouring villages and the town of Rugby.
Reflecting the site’s communications heritage, the school has been named after the archangel Gabriel, who communicates God’s messages in the Bible.
Bishop Cocksworth said: “Children are full of possibilities. Houlton, as more homes are built and people move in, is full of possibilities.
“St Gabriel’s has the wonderful opportunity to turn these possibilities into realities – the realities of lives lived fully in a mutually supportive community that seeks the very best for each person. I really enjoyed seeing this new life bursting into being.”
Head teacher Andrew Taylor said: “It is wonderful to be open and to see our school come alive with young people. A heartfelt thanks goes out to the many, many people who have made this possible and to the families of our young people for trusting us with the next stage of their children’s education.”
St Gabriel’s is the first of three primary schools and one secondary school to be built in Houlton where, over the next 15 to 20 years, 6,200 homes will be built on the site as well asalongside a new link road to Rugby, green spaces, shops, businesses and a GP surgery.
Visit http://stgabrielshoulton.org.uk for more about the school.
