A new specialist school in Shepshed has officially opened - after welcoming its first ever pupils just a few weeks ago. 

Former Paralympic swimmer Tim Reddish CBE, who was also Chairman of the British Paralympic Association, unveiled a plaque to open Bowman Academy in Shepshed in front of pupils, parents, school and academy trust staff and other special guests.

A time capsule was also buried at the event containing items such as; drawings and work by the pupils, photos of staff and students, a dated newspaper, a football, toys and even a packet of Walkers crisps to reflect the year 2024. 

Run by the Community Inclusive Trust (CIT) the school can cater for up to 65 pupils aged four to 16 with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.

It opened to pupils at the start of term, and provides a tailored curriculum designed to prepare pupils to be confident, successful, resilient and ready for adult life. It also offers a wide range of therapies and extra-curricular activities to promote personal development.

Ashley Caress, Executive Headteacher at Bowman Academy, said: "We are proud of this new school. Bowman Academy has been specifically designed to the needs of children with SEMH difficulties. Our pupils have an environment that is safe, functional, and comfortable for them to learn in."

James Ellis, Director of SEND Education at CIT said: "I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the DfE, Leicestershire County Council and Bowmer + Kirkland for working with us to provide such a fantastic building. 

"Bowman Academy is purpose built for SEMH learning and all the painstaking work that has taken place from all key stakeholders in this has been extremely worthwhile.

"This school will provide facilities to offer an exceptional learning experience for pupils in Leicestershire for years to come."

Cllr Deborah Taylor, cabinet member for Children and Families at Leicestershire County Council, said: "We are so pleased to see Bowman Academy open and welcoming pupils. The facilities are fantastic - they're sustainable and modern and provide a great environment to both learn and teach in.

"The school provides much-needed specialist places here in Leicestershire and is part of our work to ensure specialist provision is available to our children and young people, as close to their homes as possible.

"Being the first pupils to attend a new school really is a special thing. I hope everyone who attends enjoys their time learning, developing and making new friends."

The school was built using more sustainable methods, where 'modules' are constructed off-site and then assembled and installed on-site. This reduces waste, meaning less transportation is needed and uses renewable materials.

Helen Bedford, Social Value Manager at Bowmer + Kirkland, which built the school on behalf of the Department for Education (DFE), said: "It has been an absolute pleasure to work with CIT and the Bowman staff on this project.

"On the project we generated over 1.6m pounds worth of social, local and economic value. This included 44 per cent of the labour coming from within a 30mile radius, 13 apprentices and trainees on site, site visits from Loughborough Uni, a local spend of 1.5m and a reduction in CO2 emissions of 16 tons.

"We look forward to continued engagement with the school and their pupils."