Councillor Alex Dale cuts the ribbon assisted by Headteacher Katie Forster and Head pupils Jonah Hart and Aimee Butterfield.
The new 112-space primary school consists of 2 new classrooms for the juniors, as well as classrooms for reception and infants. There is a kitchen, school hall, specialist group rooms, and library – all of which are modern and bring the school in line with current guidelines. The project also includes a larger hard play area, resurfaced games courts, a playing field and a forest schools’ area to ensure pupils have access to high quality outdoor facilities.
The old school was originally located on Moor Road but has relocated to a larger purpose-built site on Brookside Road. The new buildings, designed with Concertus Design and Property Consultants, will also greatly decrease energy consumption via a photovoltaic system, helping the school to be more cost-effective and resource-efficient by lowering CO2 emissions.
The Right Reverend Malcolm McNaughton, Bishop of Repton and Rev. Kate Plant, the vicar at Breadsall All Saints Church, also officially blessed the school, confirming its status as a Church of England school.
Councillor Alex Dale, Cabinet Member for Education said:
“It’s been wonderful to officially open the new building and to see staff and students settling in and enjoying the new space. We’re committed to ensuring young people across Derbyshire have the best start in life and this new school really demonstrates that.
“Not only is there more space indoors but the new and improved outdoor space will ensure students have the opportunity to learn and play in a high-quality space, which will enhance their school experience. Having visited the school a few years ago, it’s really remarkable how impressive this new building is. I’d like to extend my thanks to the council team and the school who worked so hard to make this project a reality, and to the Breadsall staff for inviting me to attend and open the school.
“I hope the pupils, teachers and wider school community enjoy the new space for many years to come.”
Katie Forster, headteacher at Breadsall Primary School, said:
“There was a slight sense of sadness to leave the old building which had been educating the children of Breadsall for 186 years but there is now no doubt that the new building has transformed the way our church school community operates.
“All the staff, pupils and parents feel truly blessed to have such wonderful facility and we are excited about our future as we continue to develop both the inside and outside space to offer the fullest educational opportunities for our learners and community.”