Luke Pollard MP Joins Millbay Academy to Celebrate £8.1M Building Extension

Millbay Academy,  part of the Reach South Academy Trust, welcomed Luke Pollard MP to celebrate the official opening of its newly redeveloped building extension, a project made possible thanks to £8.1 million investment from the Department for Education.

The ceremony marked a transformative moment for the school, providing students with fifteen new classrooms, modern office space, and an innovative extension built on stilts to preserve outdoor areas, creating a covered play space beneath. The redevelopment has created a learning environment further enhanced for delivering a high quality and aspirational curriculum, benefiting staff and students alike.

The formal ceremony included a tour of the new facilities and a ribbon cutting, which saw the school’s student ambassadors officially mark the occasion alongside invited guests. As a school that champions creativity, Millbay Academy was proud to showcase a high energy performance which contributed to the celebratory atmosphere on the day.

Millbay Student Leaders and Ambassadors consulted with peers across the school and worked collaboratively to name the new development, choosing to call it The Athenaeum Wing. Leaders congratulated students on their selection as it recognises of our local history, community links as well as signalling towards academic study, art and literature.

The project, self-delivered by the Reach South Academy Trust, took place over three years while keeping the school fully operational. It included creating secure reception, medical and interview rooms, proper office facilities, and innovative learning spaces.

Matthew Bisco, Head of School at Millbay Academy said:

 "Everyone at Millbay Academy is delighted that the new extension is now officially open. This investment from the DfE provides our students with a modern learning environment that enhances the high quality of education they receive. Our school sits at the very heart of its community, securing creative and academic achievement, and is driven by a commitment to social justice. This building now fully supports that mission and we are excited about developing a wider programme that maximises its impact upon our community."

Tom Leverage, CEO of Reach South Academy Trust said:

“This project represents a significant investment in the future of Millbay Academy and the community it serves. Delivering a development of this scale while the school remained fully operational is a real achievement, and I am incredibly proud of everyone involved. These new facilities provide high quality, inspiring spaces where children can thrive and staff can deliver excellent teaching.”