TMA Re-Opens Drama and Music Block

Two-and-a-half years after structural concerns forced an emergency closure, The Macclesfield Academy officially reopened its newly refurbished Drama and Music facilities today. The specialist wing had been shuttered since September 2023 following the discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).

The reopening ceremony was attended by Tim Roca MP and Awais Khan from the Department for Education, marking the end of a period where performing arts students were taught in temporary classrooms. The event celebrated both the restoration of the physical space and the resilience of the school community.

“The arts are a vital pillar of a well-rounded education,” said Tim Roca MP during the event. He highlighted the collaborative efforts between the school and the government, noting the positive impact such partnerships have on long-term student outcomes.

The project was supported by The Sir John Brunner Foundation. Matt Snelson, CEO of the Foundation, addressed attendees on the critical role music and drama play in developing student confidence and creativity.

Headteacher Mat Galvin paid tribute to the staff and students who maintained the curriculum under challenging circumstances. “Our performing arts team has shown incredible dedication, delivering high-quality education without their specialist facilities for over two years,” Galvin said. “To have them back in a state-of-the-art environment today is a significant milestone for the school.”

The new facilities include a state-of-the art drama studio, an enlarged music room and four individual practice rooms, ensuring TMA remains a leader in arts education for the region.