THE new Creative Arts Academy primary school, given the go-ahead in July by the government, could still open its doors next September.

As previously reported in The Press, Ebor Academy Trust, who currently run two schools in York - Haxby Road and Robert Wilkinson primaries in Strensall - with more to join soon, was told in July its application to establish a new primary school with a specialism in the creative arts had been successful.

The school would be for the whole of York, so its location is not dependent on a specific area within the city. However, its location close to areas in need of extra primary school places would ease the pressure in those parts of York.

Now, following a meeting with the Department for Education, Ebor have been advised that while a new build would not be ready in time for next September, if an existing building could be found which only needs a light refurbishment, then it would be possible to open next year.

Richard Ludlow, chief executive of Ebor Academy Trust, said: “Everything depends on finding the right site,

“We still want to open next September and our preferred site remains the former park and ride car park at Askham Bar, but we recognise that time is short and there are many hurdles to overcome.

“It is feasible that we could open in temporary accommodation next year.

“And we have meetings scheduled with the Department for Education and City of York Council, so we will know more soon.”

Applications for primary school places across the city for next year have now opened and with a deadline of January 15, there is still time to set up the new school.

The aim is for the academy to:

• put creative arts at the centre of the curriculum

• be located at the former Park & Ride site at Askham Bar

• have an extended school day, from 8am to 5pm

• have a York city-wide, inclusive admissions policy to fairly represent the wider community

• have an integrated special needs provision.

The new academy would not be under local authority control and, instead, would be funded directly by the Department for Education, exactly the same way academies are funded. More details about the new school can be found at www.creativeartsacademyyork.org