Four schools, one campus - Tor Bridge Partnership launches

A host of national and international sporting stars will headline a week-long celebration to mark the first academic year together for one of Plymouth’s largest and most impressive school campuses, which combines four schools on one site.

The official opening ceremony for the Tor Bridge Partnership in Estover will take place on Thursday 11 July, when the Deputy Lord Mayor will be joined by England Cricket Captain Charlotte Edwards, International Cricketer Hannah Knight and international athlete Katherine Endacott, along with representatives from Plymouth Albion Rugby Team.

Students who scooped the ‘Pride of Tor Bridge Awards’ for their achievements this year will also be a major part of the opening as a reward for their efforts and hard work.

Events will take place to mark the completion of a full academic year for the four schools following the £39 million programme of building works, which saw the creation of a campus that educates children from 0 to 19 with a range of abilities.

The schools on site include: Tor Bridge High (secondary school catering for 11 to 18 year olds), Cann Bridge School (for children 3 – 19, with severe learning disabilities), Tor Bridge Primary (for 4 to 11 year olds) and Plym Bridge Nursery School and Children’s Centre (for 0 to 5 year olds).

Michael Loveman, Executive Principal for the Tor Bridge Partnership, said: “We are preparing to celebrate our official opening with many of Plymouth’s finest sporting stars coming to celebrate with us. The campus has lots of activities happening throughout the week and all of our pupils are getting involved in some way. This inclusive and supportive team ethos sums up what the Tor Bridge Partnership is all about.”

The campus has a timetable packed with activities for its pupils. The week will emphasise the Partnership’s equal opportunities policy by running activities across all areas and bringing all ages and abilities together, including the staff.

A number of Plymouth’s sporting teams will be supporting the celebrations by encouraging pupils to try out different skills and experience a range of sports including: basketball sessions by Plymouth Raiders Basketball coaches and sessions by Plymouth Storm Wheelchair Basketball Team, one of only two teams in Devon.

Plymouth Argyle Disability Team will work with students running sessions across the school. Plymouth Albion will also be sending along some of its players to train with the students and the Plymouth Hawks Wheelchair Rugby will run workshops with some of the secondary school students to show them how this no–holds–barred contact sport is played.

Younger pupils will get to enjoy tag rugby with the Plymstock Oaks rugby team. The England Cricket Board has also volunteered to run sessions throughout the week across all the schools and age groups and British Athletics will be represented with coaches delivering sessions during the week.

Other opportunities on offer include volleyball, seated volleyball, tennis, disability tennis, Ultimate Frisbee and dance.

The Tor Bridge Partnership was agreed when funding was awarded to Plymouth City Council by the Department for Children, Families and Schools one School Pathfinder, as part of the ‘Building Schools for the Future Programme’ to build the state-of-the-art multi-million pound campus. The team who created the site included: Architect - Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, Contractor - Keir Western and project management - EC Harris.

Councillor Nicky Williams, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “Tor Bridge is a fantastic example of a modern education campus that benefits young people and the surrounding community. The launch event celebrating the Partnerships’ first year together sounds incredibly exciting and really inspirational for students and staff.”

If you would like any further information about activities throughout the week, contact Michael Loveman, Executive Principal’s Office by calling 01752 207909.