New Royal Docks pupils have eight weeks more lessons

Pupils at a new Royal Docks secondary will have the equivalent of nearly eight school weeks worth of extra lessons each year.

The additional hours at Oasis Academy Silvertown are designed to develop students’ learning, with core lessons held at the same time every day so that students can easily learn their timetables and develop a strong routine.

The first cohort of year seven pupils, who will start at the academy on Monday, will be entitled to visit a Russell Group university every year and experience an annual residential trip, as well as regularly visiting theatres, museums and galleries to enrich their education.

The school, run by the education arm of Oasis Charitable Trust, also boasts strong links with employers and business partners, and has the overall vision of “think global, act local”.

Charles Claxton, the academy principal, said: “We are incredibly excited to be opening a brand new secondary school in the heart of the Royal Docks.

“Right from the onset, our goal was to establish a thriving secondary school at the heart of the community, which would provide an environment that is conducive to delivering first class education for every single student that walks through its doors.”

Elsewhere, the Community Links school Education Links will start the new term as a free school.

The charity has provided alternative education for young people who have been excluded from mainstream schools for more than 17 years.

It says the change will provide long-term financial stability, which will enable it to develop a broader curriculum tailored to the needs of its students, strengthen its staff team, extend its partnerships and improve its premises and resources.

Principal Sandy Davis said: “Free School status – the next crucial phase in our school’s development – will enable us to provide the young people of Newham and neighbouring boroughs with a sustainable education for the years ahead.”