Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust were excited to welcome Sutton Council leader  Councillor Ruth Dombey for a special assembly at Carew Academy for the revealing of the new Sutton Free School. Lower School pupils gathered in the hall for what they thought was going to be a usual Friday afternoon assembly – but it didn’t take them long to notice the huge cake and the table strewn with cupcakes surrounded by celebratory balloons!

Head of Lower School, Mr Thomas led the assembly rewarding pupils’ achievements for the week and upping the energy levels with the next instalment of the staff vs. pupils tournament. Head teacher, Mr Watkins then took over and raised energy levels even higher welcoming special guest Councillor Ruth Dombey and CEO, Dr Caroline Allen.

Councillor Dombey got really involved as the name of the school, The Futures Academy was revealed as well as the new logo, which was designed by pupil Cameron Kirby, age 9 from Wallington.
CEO, Dr Caroline Allen, said “It was wonderful to see the pupils’ enthusiasm coming up with so many brilliant names, designs for the logo and to see their excitement to be part of the new Sutton Free School”