School unveils its state-of-the-art facilities
School unveils its state-of-the art new facilities
HILLINGDON Council marked an exciting new era for Northwood School with the official opening the newly rebuilt facility.
Leader of the Council, Cllr Ray Puddifoot was joined by head teacher, Mark Anderson, and the Mayor of Hillingdon, Cllr John Hensley, who planted a tree at the site during the event on Thursday.
Hillingdon Council’s £144 million secondary school building and expansion programme is one of the largest in London.
The £35 million Northwood School rebuild is a part of this commitment, and offers 1,080 places in total and demonstrates the council’s continued dedication to meeting the need for more school places for secondary students in the borough.
The number of applicants who named the school as their first choice for 2016 entry were up by 72 per cent on the previous year and all of this autumn’s 180 year seven places have been filled, making Northwood School the first choice for local residents.
The school building has three storeys, measures 9,800 square metres in size and will promote an academic focus on performing arts.
A stage area with retractable seating sits at the heart of the school. Additional arts facilities include an outdoor amphitheatre and performing arts specialist rooms.
In total there are 53 classrooms, a science garden, specialist design and technology rooms, a spacious library, sixth form study rooms and social areas, special educational needs rooms, a four court sports hall, multi use games area and an outdoor learning terrace.
The project was delivered in partnership with Farrans Construction and the Education Funding Agency, who contributed £7 million to the project.
Mark Anderson said: “I’d like to thank the London Borough of Hillingdon for all their support and for making this happen. This new building to me is about inspiring people, staff, students and the local community as well.
“I think it’s going to take this school to the next level, so I want to say a massive thank you to everybody who’s been involved in this project. Thank you very much.”
Cllr Ray Puddifoot, said: “The exceptional facilities at Northwood School will help to provide young people with an excellent education.
“The rebuild of Northwood is only the
The exceptional facilities at Northwood School will help to provide youg people with an excellent education”
start of the council’s £144 million secondary school expansion programme.
“We already have one of the largest primary and secondary school expansion programmes in London to ensure that every child is offered a place as close to home as possible, and we will continue to create places for secondary schools as demand grows.”