News

December 3rd 2013

Lance Corporal Ashworth was killed whilst serving in Afghanistan trying to complete the defeat of a fierce insurgent sniper team. He was posthumously awarded the highest recognition for valour, the Victoria Cross.  He attended Lodge Park Academy from 2000 to 2005.

As part of the official opening, Mr Soames addressed the students and answered questions about his grandfather. James’ mother was also present at the event as a guest of honour.

This was one of the first public events that Lodge Park’s CCF has taken part in since joining forces with Uppingham School in Rutland earlier this year to set up the new unit as part of the government’s schools cadet expansion programme.

Alison Hayes, Associate Principal, at Lodge Park Academy said: “We are deeply proud of James and hoped that, by naming a house after him, his legacy would not be forgotten.

“Each of the cadets who took part in the house opening event were very proud to do so. The new CCF unit is developing each week; we have had good feedback from the pupils involved in the programme and would like to thank Uppingham School for their support to date.”

Ashworth House will be one of the six houses at Lodge Park, and teachers within the house will be responsible for meeting the pastoral needs of over 200 students.

Group Captain Nick Sharpe, Chief Executive at East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association, said: “Cadet Forces offer a broad range of activities and training opportunities for young people aged between 12 and 18 years. In June 2012 the Prime Minister, David Cameron, announced a desire to increase the number of cadet units in state schools. We are delighted that the schools in Corby and Rutland are working in partnership and look forward to working with them further to ensure that students gain as much as possible from their membership.”

The opening ceremony took place on 13 November and finished with a minute of applause.