Local MP Mark Pawsey last week visited the site of the new Quest Academy in Rugby which will provide education for children with Special Educational Needs, such as autism and social, emotional and mental health needs.

The school, due to open its doors this September, will be the new home of Quest Academy and will provide 80 places for boys and girls aged 9 – 19 years old. The academy, part of Macintyre Academies, is currently being run from a temporary site in Nuneaton, where it has enjoyed success. The brand-new site near Rugby Free Secondary School will greatly expand the opportunities it can offer to young people.

During his visit, Mark spoke with Nicola Wells, the Principal of Quest Academy, about her vision for the school’s new home in Rugby. This includes not only all the educational facilities of a modern school, but also a café and shop near the entrance of the school and an educational psychologist, clinical psychologist and occupational therapist to help meet all the needs of the pupils there.

Speaking after visiting the site, Mark commented:

“I know from speaking to parents here in Rugby how important it is to ensure that every child gets the best possible education. Macintyre Academies has a great track record of delivering excellent education for children with Special Educational Needs and this new school will give many more children the opportunity to have the best start in life.”

Mark continued:

“It was great to see how Nicola Wells’ vision for the school has influenced the design of the buildings, so that the whole site can best meet the needs of the pupils. Alongside this, one of the most exciting things about the Quest Academy is its proximity to Rugby Free Secondary School, so some pupils at Quest Academy may be able to transfer back into mainstream education to sit their GCSEs or other exams.”

Nicola Wells, Principal of Quest Academy, added: “Everyone at Quest is passionate about making a difference to the lives of pupils and their families in Rugby and the surrounding areas. Being based in the local community will enable us to further improve our services so that we can continue to make a positive difference as well as build relationships with different stakeholders in within the community.”