A Bristol school welcomed a royal VIP through its doors this week.
Trinity Academy in Lockleaze was visited by HRH The Duke of Kent and the Lord Lieutenant on Monday (March 14) to formally open a new school building. Prince Edward admired the school's facilities and met with pupil representatives, staff, governors and the academy's headteacher, Eiron Bailey.
As part of the visit, His Royal Highness and the school community also attended a formal ceremony to mark the building's opening, celebrate the school's journey so far and honour those who had played a significant role in the school's evolution.
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In September 2021, the Trinity Academy moved from its temporary home to a bespoke £25m building and site which reflects the school's specialism in music and performing arts. As a music and performing arts school, the ceremony included performances from the pupils and a speech from the headteacher and Prince Edward then formally handed over an opening plaque to Year 9 student Anika Mistry, who was elected by students across the city as Bristol's Youth Mayor.
Before he left, The Duke of Kent also planted a tree in commemoration of the opening.
The state of the art facilities include a 570-seater concert hall, fully equipped with professional sound and lighting systems and demountable staging. There's also a recital room, dance and drama studios and music practice rooms.
The school also has a large indoor sports hall and all-weather sports facilities on site, and says that the intention is for the high quality performing arts centre and sports provision to enhance opportunities for creativity and create a wide range of health and wellbeing benefits - not just for students but also the wider community.
The school's aim is for the site to be used extensively by arts organisations, musical ensembles and sports clubs to become a 'venue of choice' in North Bristol. Staff and pupils spent much of the rest of the day celebrating the royal visit and the school's achievements with a celebratory lunch, special assembly and time for reflection.
A spokesperson for Trinity Academy said: "The school's mission is to provide a world class place of learning by developing the "Head", "Heart" and "Soul" and challenging students and staff alike to become the best versions of themselves.
"Staff and students spent time reflecting on their progress and achievements this year. Celebrations were helped with a beautiful spring day, bunting and crown themed cupcakes!"
Trinity Academy is already oversubscribed, having taken 120 pupils in its first two years, 180 pupils this year and 210 pupils next September.
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