THE LAKELANDS SCHOOL, SPORTS AND LANGUAGE COLLEGE in Shropshire, Ellesmere

Education Centre Information: The Lakelands School, Sports and Language College:

Establishment Type:Community School
Phase of Education: Secondary
Status: Closed
Local Authority: Shropshire
Reason Establishment Closed: Academy Converter
Establishment Close Date: 30/11/2012
Boarders: No Boarders
Sixth Form: Does not have a sixth form
Urban/Rural Description: Town and Fringe - less sparse
Special Classes: No Special Classes
Religious Character: Does not apply
Nursery Provider: No Nursery Classes
Total Pupils: 577
Number of boys: 308
Number of girls: 269
Admissions: Comprehensive
Age Range: 11-16
Gender: Mixed
View inspection reports

Background:

The Lakelands opened in September 1979 as an 11 to 16 mixed comprehensive, after taking over the premises of the former Ellesmere Secondary Modern School. It takes its name from the beautiful countryside surrounding it, aptly known as 'Shropshire's Lake District'. It occupies an open and elevated site on the western edge of the small market town of Ellesmere. Brick building provides spacious accommodation, which consists of specialist classrooms, laboratories, a design and technology suite, a learning resource centre and library, a computer suite and reprographics room, a hall with full stage and performance facilities, and a dining hall. Design and technology, art and music are all taught in new state-of-the-art rooms, which were opened during the autumn of 2002. Extensive playing fields surround the school, including pitches for all team games, an athletics track, cricket nets and tennis courts. The school also benefits from the use of the swimming pool, which is situated at Ellesmere County Primary School.The Lakelands Sports centre is set within the grounds of Lakelands School and Sports College. The centre has a well-equipped fitness suite. The two badminton court sports hall hosts a number of clubs and classes. It is used for badminton, volleyball, gymnastics, table tennis, unihoc, basketball and much more. The school's purpose-built multi suite is available for dance, drama, gymnastics and fitness classes. Outdoor facilities consist of floodlit, sand-based all-weather pitch, used for small-sided hockey and football. The school has gained an enviable reputation for the excellence added value of its pupils' achievements. Its children are now encouraged to participate in the various leadership programmes and it offers Junior Sports Leader and Duke of Edinburgh programmes and also offers Young Enterprise. Its 2003 team went on to represent Shropshire in the West Midlands final. The school'seeks to foster a caring community atmosphere, where all pupils are encouraged to develop their self-confidence and to show consideration for others.