THE FORMER Heathfield Foundation Technology College in Cradley Heath will be officially unveiled as Ormiston Forge Academy on Thursday.

The Wrights Lane school, under the leadership of new principal Andrew Burns, has changed its name to mark its move to academy status.

Its opening ceremony at 1.30pm will be attended by Peter Davies, CEO of the Teenage Cancer Trust, Peter Murray, Chair of the Ormiston Trust, Halesowen MP James Morris and the Mayor of Sandwell councillor Joyce Underhill.

There will be speeches, a ribbon cutting and balloon launches with guests, selected students and staff receiving a tree to plant from the National Trust.

The Ormiston Trust is sponsoring the new academy which will join 16 other schools run by the organisation across the country.

Head Andrew Burns said: “It’s a really exiciting time for the school - the future looks really bright and we are expecting record results in the summer.

“It’s a really good time to be an academy.”

Students will take part in workshops on healthy eating led by the Teenage Cancer Trust during morning lessons.

The new name was chosen after a consultation with students, staff, parents and local residents and is designed to refer to the area’s industrial heritage, including chainmaking and blacksmithery.

Tours of the new academy, which has been in operation since January 1, will be available for prospective parents on Monday afternoons on February 27, March 12, March 26, April 23, May 14 and May 28.

To book a place call the school on 01384 566598.