Saracens announce new High School plans

Saracens have announced exciting plans to open a new Secondary School within the London Borough of Barnet in September 2017.

The Saracens High School Free School Trust will be submitting an application to the Department of Education in March 2016 to open a new Free School in response to the urgent need for more secondary school places across the Borough. Sponsored by Saracens Chairman and Barnet resident Nigel Wray and Saracens Board Member Nick Leslau, The Saracens High School will strive to provide the very best education for local children and young people, ensuring that every pupil fulfils their potential academically and excels personally.

The Saracens High School Free School Trust is a group of likeminded individuals and organisations with a passion for education and a focus on the Barnet community, including the Saracens Sport Foundation, Middlesex University and the Orion and Goldbeaters Primary School Gold Star Federation amongst others. The formal academic partner is Ashmole Academy, an Ofsted rated 'Outstanding' Secondary School in Barnet whose role will be to ensure that the very highest academic standards are set by a team of talented and committed teachers.

Saracens Community Director Gordon Banks stated, "Through the work of our own charity, the Saracens Sport Foundation, Saracens has demonstrated over 18 years that we are more than just a rugby club and we are committed to giving back to our community. Probably the greatest gift you can give a young person is an outstanding education and we look forward to working in collaboration with other schools in the proximity to deliver this for our local children. We have brought together a very talented group of people with vast experience within education and business to deliver an exciting vision for the Saracens High School, built on the foundations of exceptional academic achievement and supported by the development of life skills and character."

Saracens Chairman Nigel Wray stated, "At Saracens we have created a very special culture, built on strong values and a focus on developing our people and this has resulted in considerable success. At the Saracens High School every child will count, their talents and abilities will be identified and nurtured in a school environment that values academic achievement, teamwork and the creation of joyful memories."

Ashmole Academy Head Teacher, Derrick Brown added: "Ashmole Academy Trust has a relentless drive to provide only the very best standards of education. We are therefore delighted to be asked by Saracens to join them in providing a new outstanding secondary school where pupils achieve the highest standard of educational success."

Although the location of the proposed secondary school has yet to be confirmed it is likely to be in Colindale area. The Saracens High School Free School Academy Trust is currently consulting with local parents and seeking support for the Saracens High School application. Local residents can find out more information and register their support by visiting www.thesaracenshighschool.com