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Official Opening of Bracknell Forest Academies

King's Academy Binfield and King's Academy Oakwood official opening

King’s Group Academies were delighted that their two academies in Bracknell Forest, 

King’s Academy Binfield and King’s Academy Oakwood, were officially opened on 21 October by 

revered actor Sir Ben Kingsley. Along with numerous guests from all groups and 

stakeholders involved in the design, build and transformation into two superb schools, Sir 

Ben Kingsley first toured and unveiled a commemorative plaque at King’s Academy 

Oakwood, before making the short journey to King’s Academy Binfield. All guests

toured the magnificent facilities, led by year 8 students, before enjoying performances by the 

academy choir and dance company. The highlight of the afternoon was the inspirational

speech made by Sir Ben Kingsley before unveiling the second commemorative plaque.

Nick Cross, CEO of King’s Group Academies was delighted with the event and what it 

represented: "The inauguration of King's Academy Binfield and King's Academy Oakwood 

was a significant event for King's Group Academies.  It is the culmination of a great deal of 

hard work invested by staff, children, young people, Trustees and community partners.  We 

were delighted to welcome Sir Ben Kingsley to open the schools. He was joined by Sir Roger 

Fry, Chair of Trustees and Mark Ducker, Chair of Governors and a range of key 

stakeholders.  Under the leadership of Executive Headteacher, Sarah Howells, we are 

confident that both schools will go from strength to strength.’

Executive Headteacher, Sarah Howells was equally effusive; ‘we have made a 

truly extraordinary start in our pursuit to give the children of North Bracknell an 

outstanding education in a remarkable all-through school. Everyone present at the 

inauguration has supported that quest and has supported, driven and lived our vision to 

‘dare to be remarkable’ in all we do, consistently displaying our core values of determination, 

aspiration, respect and enthusiasm to get us to where we are today. The life skills, the 

passion, the discipline, the connectivity that the arts bring to all our lives, but especially what 

they can bring to our children must never be under estimated so to have Ben Kingsley, one 

of the finest ambassadors for, and doyens in the performing arts, to officially open our two 

academies could not have been more fitting for us.’

 

See the Bracknell News official coverage here