STAFF, governors and students are delighted to mark the move to their brand new building in a different part of the city.

Newman Catholic School is preparing to move to the new building, with a new name for the school.

Following the canonisation of the school’s patron, John Henry Newman, the school will be renamed St John Henry Newman Catholic School.

John McAuley, headteacher of Newman Catholic School, said: “John Henry Newman was one of the most significant figures of the 19th century, a scholar and founder of religious communities.

“His work had a major impact on Catholic theology and education.

“When he was beatified in 2010, he became Blessed John Henry Newman, we began to discuss how the school could commemorate this, particularly if he went on to be canonised.

“As we move to our bran new building later this year, it is an appropriate time to pay tribute to our patron and celebrate his sainthood by renaming the school and adopting his coat of arms as our school badge.

“We are now looking to the future to provide a Catholic school fit for the 21st century, with our bespoke new school due to open in September 2020.

“Considerable time has been spent in the design process with our contractor Galliford Try to ensure that we can offer outstanding facilities and resources for our students from Year 7 into sixth form.

“The building is taking shape on the campus and the project is running to schedule.”

Fr Michael Docherty, Episcopal vicar for education and formation for the Diocese of Lancaster, welcomed the news the name would change for the school.

He said: “A new name and a new site offer a revitalised commitment to the project of Catholic education which is at the service of the families of Carlisle.

“We are looking forward to celebrating the day the school is open and able to welcome students through the doors.”

The new school is situated off Scalegate Road in Carlisle, in an area developing as St Cuthbert’s Village.

The old site of Newman Catholic School, at Lismore Place in Carlisle was destroyed by flooding in December 2015, as Storm Desmond hit the county.

The school’s chair of governors, Andy Abernethy, is thrilled that the work is proceeding to schedule on the new school.

He said: “The school has come through many challenges over recent years, most significantly the flooding of our city centre site.

“We are now looking to the future and to exiting new beginnings on a journey of improvement. A new name for the school is another important milestone.”

Paul Mullen, project manager at Galliford Try, added: “The diocese, school and wider community have all been highly involved with what we are doing so far, and as the project moves ahead, we look forward to delivering the high quality facilities that the school deserves.”