All Saints - Page 1

ALL SAINTS, CHELTENHAM

Building Schools for the Future uncovers an unusual past...

Whilst excavating the site for the UK’s first dual faith Academy, All Saints in Cheltenham, Cotswold Archaeology (CA) discovered evidence of substantial Anglo Saxon activity – previously unknown this close to Gloucester.

All Saints Academy is part of the government’s Academy Framework programme and this flagship development will replace both Kingsmead and Christ College.

CA undertook the work on behalf of Gloucestershire County Council working in partnership with Skanska and, to their delight, found evidence of a significant Anglo Saxon settlement. Although the finds meant more substantial archaeological excavations were required, the excellent communication channels and working relationship built up between Skanska and CA meant that the overall build project was not hindered and the opening date for the finished Academy remains on schedule for September 2011.

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The archaeology itself has caused a flurry of interest; the Academy sponsors have fully embraced the significance of the discoveries and a team has been set up (comprising Skanska, CA, All Saints Academy sponsors and Gloucestershire County Council) to evaluate the history with a view to integrating it into the framework of the new Academy and possibly incorporating into the Year 9 history curriculum.

Cliff Bateman, CA Project Manager comments, ‘ We are extremely pleased that the new Academy wants to include what is their very own history into the fabric of the new school and are looking forward to providing valuable learning tools for the pupils at All Saints.

This whole project emphasises what can be achieved when suppliers and contractors work together closely, and strive not only to deliver the actual build project on time and within budget, but also to embrace the importance of our history and the wider benefits it can bring to the community as a whole’.

Further information will be made available as this project develops.