Sir Bobby Charlton launches new high school in Ardwick

The latest academy is part The Dean Trust family and is one of twenty partner schools to benefit from such a relationship with the Foundation.

The couple heard speeches from Dean Trust Academy Principal and Foundation Trustee Tarun Kapur plus Foundation CEO John Shiels before being treated to an array of performances from students, including poetry readings, dance routines and a scene from the school’s Romeo and Juliet play.

The 1966 World Cup winner also toured the school’s facilities visiting various classrooms and even took part in a practical science lesson, helping students who were learning if size affects the flight of a parachute, by having a go at releasing it himself.

A busy visit was topped off with a trip to the sports hall to witness budding students practicing their passing and teamwork skills under the watchful eye of Foundation coach Matt Lawlor who works within the school.

Matt explained the impact the visit would have on pupils within the school and said: “It will be massive, they’ve learnt a lot about the history of Manchester United recently and it’s become a big thing for the school in terms of who Sir Bobby Charlton is and what he represents.”

Year 7 pupil Tina explained what the visit of Sir Bobby meant to her: “It was an amazing experience, most of us haven’t had this moment before so it was just amazing. They are really kind and awesome.”

The school were also celebrating its official opening after spending over a year in a temporary building before moving into a brand new site in September 2016 on the former Daisy Mill site in Ardwick.

Deputy Head, Steven Worthington said: “Today has been a really important day for us, with the opening of our brand new school but also it’s about cementing the partnership between the school and Manchester United Foundation. Having Sir Bobby and Lady Norma here today has been a real privilege and just shows what we are trying to create here, an outstanding school to serve the community of Ardwick. To have such an important figure come in and cement that is just fantastic.”