Member Article

Excelsior’s top achievers on The Rise

High flying students from the west end of Newcastle had the chance to see what all of their hard work could achieve through a visit to a new housing scheme.

The aim of the trip – by young people from Milburn School, Excelsior Academy – was to explore the costs involved in running a home and to highlight that it may actually be more affordable than they initially thought.

And with GCSE exams just around the corner, seeing the new properties at The Rise in Scotswood brought into focus the lifestyle choices that good qualifications and employment opportunities can deliver.

Aaron Hutchinson, 16, said: “The houses look great and I thought that they would be far more expensive. I could definitely see myself living here.”

Courtney Shoulder, 15, added: “I especially liked the house with the outdoor terrace. They are really nice homes.”

The session was organised by Claire Scott from the New Tyne West Development Company (NTWDC) – a private/public partnership comprising Newcastle City Council, Barratt Homes and Keepmoat – with support from the sales teams with both house builders.

She said: “This was the second session we have arranged with Excelsior and it was great to talk with the young people and answer their questions.

“It was good to be able to demonstrate just how affordable owning a new property is and to hopefully raise aspirations by showing what is available now and what will be available for them to consider in the future.”

NTWDC will deliver up to 1,800 new affordable homes in Scotswood over the next 15-18 years.

Saarah Nijaila, Specialism leader at Excelsior Academy, said: “The visit was a fantastic opportunity for our young learners to see an example of what is out there housing wise and just how affordable and achievable buying can be.

“Excelsior academy is also on the rise and has seen an increase in students achieving GCSE grades A*-C in Maths and English year on year since opening in 2008. The future of Scotswood certainly is bright.”

Prices for the two, three and four bedroomed homes – just two and a half miles from the centre of Newcastle - range from £94,950 to £192,950. The six show homes, just off Whitehouse Road, are open daily between 10am and 5pm.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Paul Dobbie .