A name has been chosen for the new Church of England primary and nursery academy, due to open in the north of Plymouth next year.

 

After consultation with local churches and parishes, the new school on Brest Road in Derriford will be named ‘St. Matthew’s Church of England Primary and Nursery Academy’.

 

It will open in September 2015 to children from all faith backgrounds, and none.

St. Matthew’s, which means ‘Gift of God’, will provide a local Christian presence and will be a school which has the value of compassion at its heart. It aims to bring together and unite the newly forming community of Seaton.
 

When asked about the rationale behind the choice of name, which was shortlisted from suggestions made by local parishes and church councils, Reverend Chris Routledge of St. Edward’s Church, Eggbuckland who chairs the governing body of St. Matthew’s CofE Primary and Nursery Academy said: “St. Matthew’s Gospel has many well known and loved verses that resonate with the academy’s hillside location and educational values. He also completes the group of gospel writers alluded to locally through the University of St. Mark and St. John and with St. Luke being the patron saint of physicians, the hospital too.”
 

St. Matthew’s CofE Primary and Nursery Academy, part of the Diocese of Exeter, is part funded in partnership with Plymouth City Council and run by the Diocese’s St. Christopher’s Primary Multi-Academy Trust (MAT).  Ensuring there are sufficient primary school places for Plymouths growing population, it will eventually take 90 pupils a year through a three form entry with the capacity for 630 pupils aged 4 – 11, plus a 27 place nursery.
 

Councillor Sue McDonald, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Public Health, said: “Naming this new school at Derriford is an exciting step towards its opening in September 2015. St Matthew’s CofE Primary and Nursery Academy will provide much needed primary places for the north of the city, expanding the choice of schools for parents and children, and adding to the offer of modern, cutting edge educational facilities being developed in partnership with the Council across Plymouth. Having excellent schools is such an important part of our city’s structure and success. We are very proud of our schools and investing in their future is essential if we are to maintain our high standards and encourage families to raise children in Plymouth.”
 

Currently advertising for an outstanding Head Teacher, St. Christopher’s Primary MAT will soon release details of the significant new build in Seaton together with St. Matthew’s new identity

“St. Matthew’s will be a vibrant and stimulating academy that reflects the local community, meets the needs of society and helps pupils be the people they were created to be by nurturing, encouraging, inspiring and challenging those of all faiths and none,” said Janine Waring, Academy Project Officer at  St. Christopher’s Primary Multi-Academy Trust.   “Driven by a compassionate heart, we will provide local residents with a supportive, inclusive, extended family that integrates outstanding community involvement with academic excellence and collaborative thinking” she added. "The Church is committed to offering education that serves the whole community, and widening choice for parents."