School restarted this week with a wave of new buildings that will inspire and equip generations of pupils across Peterborough.
When Peterborough pupils returned to swap stories of their summer holidays yesterday, many did so in the confines of totally revamped schools.
Among those to get a facelift and increased capacity were the Ormiston Bushfield Academy, the Nene Park Academy and Welland Primary School.
There was also a first-ever day for staff and pupils at the brand new St Michael’s Primary School at Stanground.
It is central to a new development that will create 1,600 homes in the growing, new Cardea development.
Excited pupils enjoyed their first day at the school on Thursday, with 11 children in the reception and six in years 1 and 2.
Eventually, the school hopes to reach a capacity of 240 pupils.
Headteacher Jackie Ashley said: “It is a brilliant new community and we are right in the middle of it.
“Everything about the school is new, it is state-of-the-art and everyone loves it. We want to include pre-school from January, which will mean children can be here from 2 to 11.”
James Morris, of Turnstone Way, was one of the nervous dads waiting for his son to finish the first day of school.
He said: “We sent Shane here because the location is convenient and the school looks really impressive.”
After finishing his first day, Shane (4) said: “It was great. I made some new friends and the teachers are really nice.”
Another newly opened school this year is the City of Peterborough Academy Special School, which will host 90 children with special needs this year. Eventually, it will be open for 900 pupils.
Meanwhile, Ormiston Bushfield Academy benefited from Peterborough City Council’s successful bid for a £20.6 million Building Schools for the Future scheme to build a new building.
It will allow the school to cater for an extra 200 pupils this year and features a 524 metre square library, special studios for dance, television and radio and a 3D astro football pitch.
Principal Eric Winstone said: “Our aim for this building is to create an inspirational place for young people to learn.
“We hope that our students thrive in our new setting.”
Welland Primary School’s £6.8 million new building means there are 60 spaces for new pupils - and capacity can double to two forms per year group if required.
Nene Park Academy has also seen a big change this year, with a third of its building completely refurbished to create a better learning environment, but no expansion in capacity.
The £14.25 million investment by Peterborough City Council has created new classrooms for maths, technology and sport, and a new canteen.
Headteacher Mark Woods said: “Completing this project is a major milestone in the transformation of our fortunes.”
More Peterborough education: schools, performance tables)
Expansion of school capacities
WELLAND primary (+60 capacity)
New £6.8 million revamp, larger school hall and outdoor learning
Ormiston Bushfield (+200)
New £20.6 million building rises capacity from 750 to 950
St michael’s school (+240)
New £3.8 million primary school has capacity for 240 pupils
city of peterborough (+90/900)
School opens next week for 90 pupils, but eventually 900.
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