School children in Newton Aycliffe have shown off their updated facilities following the merger of two schools.
Durham County Council agreed to amalgamate St. Francis Church of England Junior School and Horndale County Infant and Nursery School in January of this year.
St. Francis Horndale C of E (Aided) Primary School has now officially opened its doors to pupils following the summer holidays, with the council having completed work to accommodate all staff and children on the one site.
The authority has invested £650,000 in upgrading the facilities at the existing school, including a new layout with added capacity in each classroom, as well as new LED lighting, heaters and furnishings.
An outdoor play area has also been installed for the infant and nursery children who have moved to the new site, which is less than 20 metres from the former Horndale County Infant and Nursery School.
The school now has capacity for 210 primary school pupils as well as a 26-place nursery class for children aged three.
Cllr Cathy Hunt, the council’s cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said: “We’re delighted that pupils and staff are already making the most of their upgraded facilities, with the new school year getting off to a fantastic start.
“Offering one, more modern and effective school site will help staff to deliver a broader curriculum and make it easier for children to transition from nursery to primary school.
“As well as offering children at St. Francis Horndale the best start in life, it will make it easier for staff to work together as a team to provide an engaging education and supportive, nurturing school environment.”
Lisa Lakey, the school’s headteacher, said: “We’re so pleased to be all together in our completed school and have everyone under the same roof.
“The upgraded facilities are fantastic and will help us to enhance our current provision whilst also offering extra capacity for the community as it continues to grow.
“We’re very grateful to the council for completing the work so quickly and feel proud that we have been able to work together to make sure the new St. Francis Horndale is the best it can be for our lovely pupils now and those who will attend in the future.
“We look forward to seeing our students grow and celebrating all that they achieve.”
• Pictured above (from left): Cllr Cathy Hunt, cabinet member for children and young people’s services, with headteacher, Lisa Lakey, St. Francis Horndale’s head students, and Archdeacon Rick Simpson, alongside (back L-R) David Akers, director of education for the Dioceses of Durham and Newcastle; David Bowes, the school’s chair of governors; Jim Murray, the council’s head of education and skills; Brooke Pickett, deputy headteacher; and Joanne Copeland, deputy headteacher.
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