MP officially opens new school
A Wearside MP went along to open the city’s newest school.
MP for Houghton and Sunderland South, Bridget Phillipson officially opened the new buildings of Hetton School.
She was joined by a host of dignitaries including the mayor and representatives from the Education Funding Agency and building contractors, Galliford Try.
Visitors were given tours of the new school by students taking the chance to show off their new building and some of the amazing work they and the other students do.
Headteacher Phil Keay said: “Since September the students and teachers have found a very different learning environment to that which they left – one which is clean, fit for purpose, modern and provides the very best chances for all our learners for many years to come.
“New facilities and furniture can be seen in most areas of the school, not least with new tables, chairs and equipment storage in every classroom. New fold-away dining tables allow larger friendship groups sit together at break and lunchtimes, and mean that the dining hall feels more like a social area.”
Hetton School, which was founded in 1912, moved into the new buildings in September 2016 and already the state of the art buildings have made a difference, with students such as Head Girl, Beth Laybourne.
The pupil said: “I am so proud to represent Hetton School. The new buildings provide me with even more opportunities to pursue my academic dreams, but it is the amazing teachers that really make the difference.”
Chairman of governors Margaret Young said: “I was so happy to be able to welcome everyone to our new home. I’m also very proud to be part of the Hetton School community. I firmly believe that our students are at the heart of our school in our new buildings, as the saying goes, ‘home is where the heart is’.”
Hetton School was one of the 261 schools nationally who were successful in being part of the new Priority Schools Building Programme.
Before the project was confirmed, Bridget Phillipson, MP, spoke to the House of Commons emphasising the desperate need for new buildings.
Now seeing the new facilities, she said: “This has been a long journey to get here. I am delighted for the staff, students and the whole Hetton community. This new building is well deserved and I’d like to wish the school and its students every success in the future.”
“I’d like to wish the school and the students every success” BRIDGET PHILLIPSON