HRH The Duke of Edinburgh visited a Borough school to celebrate the opening of its new site on Southwark Bridge Road.
Prince Edward toured Borough Academy’s facilities, met the students taking part in a girls’ rugby training session and watched pupils’ theatrical and musical performances, on Tuesday, November 7.
In one particular highlight, he even paid a visit to a mock camp that Duke of Edinburgh award participants had set up in the school’s Grotto Park.
Declan Jones, Principal of Borough Academy, said: “We were thrilled to welcome The Duke of Edinburgh to officially open Borough Academy.
“It was wonderful to showcase our facilities and to see our students engage with HRH so enthusiastically.
“I am proud to see how this school has developed from initial plans to one that is now at the heart of its’ community and offers a truly special pupil experience.”
The Duke, who was joined by other special guests, including Colonel Simon Duckworth OBE, unveiled a plaque marking the opening of the school.
He also got to meet members of Brite Box, a charity partner of the school that provides healthy recipe boxes to families at risk of food insecurity.
Jan Shadick, CEO of Haberdashers’ Academies Trust South, said: “Officially opening Borough Academy marks a special point in the school’s journey.
“Our staff and pupils are rightly proud of their school and showcased its’ strengths to The Duke of Edinburgh.
“It was a privilege to be part of this special day. I look forward to seeing the school go from strength to strength, and further develop its’ local partnerships. It is an exciting time to be part of the Trust.”
Haberdashers’ Borough Academy, part of Haberdashers’ Academies Trust South, opened to pupils in September 2019, initially residing in a temporary building on Sawyer Street.
It has almost 900 pupils on roll across Years 7 to 11 and, now in its fifth year, will have pupils sitting GCSEs for the first time this academic year.