Alfreton Grange Arts College
Alfreton Grange Arts College (formerly Mortimer Wilson School) is an 11−19 former comprehensive school maintained by the Derbyshire Local Authority turning into an acdemy in Easter 2016 under the Torch academies gateway trust.[1] Alfreton Grange Arts College specialises in creative arts and encourages their pupils to become involved with the many school productions.
As of September 2013 Alfreton Grange Arts College has 653 pupils on the school roll, of which 74 are in sixth form.[2]
History
The school first opened on 16 March 1939, by Alderman W. Mortimer Wilson, MA, whose name went on to be borne by the school for close on 70 years. The school opened as a non-selective establishment with two separate schools within, the boys and girls being educated separately. The first headmaster of the boys' school was Wilfred Dawes and the headmistress of the girls' school was Miss Cresswell. The school became a comprehensive in the late 1960s. Miss Cresswell then retired and Mr Dawes took full control of the school. During his time as headmaster the school was recognised as a modal for the comprehensive system. In recognition of his achievements, Wilfred Dawes was appointed O.B.E. for his services to Education. He was a strong Socialist and supporter of the comprehensive system. [3]
On 1 September 2008 the school changed its name from Mortimer Wilson school to Alfreton Grange Arts College.
On 22, July 2013 the headteacher, Gail Giles was suspended pending investigation from the governing body.[4]
In September 2013 the school was deemed Inadequate by Ofsted and therefore the school was placed into special measures.[5]
Notable pupils
The school has a number of notable pupils, most of have followed careers in the arts.[6]
- Andrea Holmes - Professional Singer in the famous D'Oyly Carte Opera Company
- David Polkey - Make-up designer/Performer in numerous films and London's West End theatre
- Joe Bennett - Technical Editor of the Total Guitar magazine
- Sally Pepper - BBC Radio Presenter and East Midlands Today weather presenter
References
- ↑ http://www.alfretongrange.com/
- ↑ http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/files/2284633/urn/112931.pdf
- ↑ http://www.cacn.org.uk/features/feature68mortimerwilson.htm
- ↑ http://www.nottinghampost.com/Head-teacher-Alfreton-school-suspended-job/story-19638733-detail/story.html
- ↑ http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/files/2284633/urn/112931.pdf
- ↑ Show programme from one of the school's productions