£400k boost for school with a really bright future
NEARLY £400,000 is to be invested in a Newhall primary school in its biggest refurbishment since it opened in 1972. The move comes four years after it was placed into special measures by Ofsted.
Inspectors categorised St Edward’s Catholic Academy “inadequate” in May 2015 but now the school, which has 200 pupils, is facing a brighter future with a major facelift in the pipeline.
Work is to be carried out over the coming months to create a new entrance, upgrade toilets, build medical and meeting rooms and make the school more accessible for wheelchair users.
Head teacher and former pupil Jayne McQuillan, who will celebrate her 10th year in charge in April, said £374,000 will be spent improving facilities.
“The renovations will also include a medical room, meeting room, additional storage and modern and up-to -date toilet facilities for pupils and staff.
“Our Foundation Stage classroom will have enhancements, including their own toilets and washroom facilities.
“The main school hall will also have a major makeover extending the area, Catholic Academy in Newhall are excited about this will enable pupils to enjoy additional extra-curricular activities. “Phase two of the work will include enhancements to the current Year 1 and Year 3 classrooms, creating more space for the children to enjoy their lessons.” The work will be carried out in three phases and work on the first is already under way.
Staff are excited over the changes as some of the facilities have not been altered since 1972.
The changes mark a big turnaround for the school. It was placed into special measures by Ofsted.
Mrs McQuillan said: “The academy has gone through a major transition over the past two and a half years. “The school went into special measures and was categorised as inadequate in May 2015.
“As a result the school became a sponsored academy in October 2016 and in September 2018, became part of the newly-formed St Ralph Sherwin Multi Academy Trust, consisting of 20 primary and five secondary schools across Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Stockport.”
The school is oversubscribed for years three to six but is still inviting applications in reception classes for the next academic year.