A new school in East Leeds has been praised by locals after promising to provide a free uniform to every pupil.
Trinity Academy made the pledge following the closure of neighbouring factory Arcadia, which shut its doors after Sir Philip Green’s retail group fell into administration in November last year.
The factory closure has led to 400 job losses in the area, putting local people with children at the school in a really difficult position
In response, the academy has now announced that every pupil will be given free items of school uniform ahead of the opening of the new term this September.
This means that families will be able to use vouchers to purchase a new blazer, tie, skirt/trousers and P.E. top for their children free of charge.
The school is also providing every child with a free TAL book bag, courtesy of its building contractors Galliford Try.
Principal Kat Cafferky said: “We are determined to be a school that works with and supports its local community, particularly in what is a difficult time for our families.
“We wanted to do all we could to help, starting by providing them with assistance to buy uniform, something we know can be very difficult for families to afford.”
Speaking on the build project, she added “It has been an absolute privilege to be part of this incredible journey, building a new school that will in turn help to build the brightest of futures for the young people of East Leeds.
“Everyone involved in the project from our builders, architects, newly recruited staff and local families have demonstrated a real passion and positivity for our new school and we can’t wait to get started in delivering an inspirational curriculum that secures fantastic outcomes for our learners.”
Trinity Academy Leeds will open in September, initially with just 240 Year 7 pupils.
