"The DfE’s project team have been working closely with the contractor and have established that there have been further delays on site with operatives having to self-isolate and the contractor being unable to bring in alternative resources at short notice due to the holiday season. They are continuing to work with the contractor to ensure that the building is delivered but the target date of 23rd August will not be met and as such we have discussed with Learn@ and the Academy staff postponement of the activities that were planned from 23rd August. We are now working to a September 6^th handover so that the school will be able to open as planned on 13th September. 

DfE appreciate nevertheless this will be a huge disappointment to all those associated with Soundwell Academy, and means changing plans for the preparation for opening, but believe this is the best course of action to ensure that the contractor can work uninterrupted and hand over a building which is ready for the school to properly occupy.  

We would like to thank the school and the Trust for their continued co-operation and understanding."