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Derby's first Sikh school to open on Monday DERBY'S first Sikh school will open its doors to 120 pupils on Monday, starting a new era of primary education in the city. The Akaal Primary School, with classes for reception year and Year 1 pupils, is housed in temporary buildings in Hartington Street behind the National Sikh Museum. Approval for the free school was given by schools minister Lord Nash in July. As the final touches are being made to the school, which is opening on a temporary site while a permanent location is found and a new school built, the Government announced that it was continuing its programme of free schools. Prime Minister David Cameron said he will "not waver" in his commitment to open 500 new free schools over the next five years as he announced the first wave to be approved this parliament and pledged to deliver two waves of new schools every year until 2020. Akaal primary will join 252 free schools which are already open and is among 52 due to open this September. The Department for Education is continuing to work with Derby City Council to negotiate a permanent site for the school in the Sunnyhill area. Dr Daljit Virk, chairman of Akaal Academy Trust, which is running the school, said: "The school will provide a values-based education and a greater choice of primary schools in Derby. "We are creating an outstanding school where all pupils will achieve highly. Our curriculum will give pupils exceptional all-round development and a life-long love of learning, as well as key skills in literacy and numeracy. "As the school grows, we aim to be the first school in the East Midlands to follow the International Baccalaureate primary years programme." Vicki Kavanagh has been appointed executive head teacher of the new school. She was previously the head of an "outstanding" school in Sandwell, West Midlands. Julie Kennedy will join her as head of school. Akaal Primary School has no specific catchment area and meets the need for more primary school places in Normanton, Pear Tree, Sinfin, Stenson Fields, Littleover, Alvaston, Heatherton, Chellaston and adjoining areas, from where most of the pupils will come. The school will provide 420 places by 2020. Education Secretary Nicky Morgan said: "The free schools programme has sent out the message loud and clear, that parents should never have to settle for anything less than the best for their child. "Right across the country, these innovative, community-led schools are helping to fulfil our One Nation commitment to educational excellence for every child." Source - http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/Derby-s-Sikh-school-open-Monday/story-27725512-detail/story.html