Pupils at Swindon’s Haydonleigh Primary School have given its £3m extension the thumbs-up after joining construction group Beard’s project manager Jamie Robertson for a final inspection.
The new two-storey building, which has not yet been officially handed over, will provide an extra 140 places to increase the school’s capacity to 630 pupils.
Pupil numbers at the school have doubled since it was built in 1995. Swindon Borough Council appointed Beard, which is based in the town, to refurbish and extend the original school building’s administrative offices, ICT facilities and hall and add a multi-function room with stage which links with the new complex.
The new building provides 15 classrooms, a staffroom and two multi-use creative spaces. Beard has also provided a new playground, a much-needed space to accommodate the additional pupils. The younger children now have a soft play area and can exercise on a newly-provided adventure trail.
Haydonleigh headteacher Frances Billinge said: “We are thrilled with the facilities. We have worked in cramped conditions with a lack of space outside of the four walls of each classroom for many years.
“Our journey from one form to three forms of entry is now complete with a building that enables us to deliver the high-quality provision that every child deserves. The theatre, additional and enlarged halls are fantastic multi-use spaces that allow us to be creative with their use. The new classrooms are spacious and conducive to the needs of each class – be it foundation stage aged four to year six aged 11.”
The children too are happy with their new building. Eight-year-old Molly, who was part of the special school building inspection team, said: “I like the upstairs because it’s nice to have more space.”
Beard project manager for the scheme Jamie Robertson added: “We’re delighted Molly and her friends love their new school building.
“This is a much-needed facility which will provide Haydonleigh pupils with the very best learning environment for many years to come.”
Pictured: Year 3 and year 4 Haydonleigh pupils (from left) Spencer, Raimy, Molly and Nathan with Beard project manager Jamie Robertson
