Guests attend the official opening of brand-new school in Redditch

Dozens of guests, including County Council Chairman Councillor Chris Rogers, attended the special event at Holyoakes Field First School and Nursery in Cookridge Close which provides a high quality, modern and sustainable environment for 300 pupils and 26 nursery places.

Funding for the new school was agreed as part of Worcestershire County Council’s capital investment programme to secure more places for Worcestershire children through the building of new schools and the expansion of existing schools. In the County Council’s budget for 2022/23, £3 million was set aside to improve schools across the County, with a further £50 million for building and extending schools between 2022 and 2027.

The new school replaced Holyoakes Field First School which had stood in Bridge Street, Redditch for more than 100 years before closing its doors for the final time in July 2022.

Councillor Tracey Onslow, Cabinet Member for Education, who was among those on site attending the grand opening of the school, said: “This new building at Holyoakes Field will really benefit the school community, both now and in the future, and it is great to see the improvements for myself.

“This completed project is one example how we’re committed to improving educational facilities and provision for our pupils and staff across the county.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how the new facilities here help students to go on and achieve their full potential.”

Councillor Rogers added: “I’m really glad I could be here today to open the new building. It is my duty as chairman to visit all corners of the county, see how Worcestershire is growing and developing and what it continues to offer its local communities. Education is a really key component of our plan for the future of our county and with facilities like this new school available to them, our pupils are sure to benefit.”

Guests at the official opening were given tours of the new school by Year 4 pupils and there was a short performance by the school choir.

The new school boasts a large outdoor area and woodland with innovative sustainable drainage. The building has been designed to reduce heat loss in colder months and has many other features to ensure the building is as energy efficient as possible. Another addition to the new school is a fully up to date kitchen which will provide meals cooked on site rather than needing to have meals brought in externally.

Worcestershire County Council worked closely with the Headteacher Mrs Tasnim Koser at the school and the Bordesley Multi Academy Trust to ensure it met their needs and expectations.

Headteacher Mrs Koser said: “The staff and I feel incredibly privileged to have been given this opportunity to relocate to a fantastic new purpose built school. We are determined to build on the school’s rich history and reputation as we enter this new exciting phase of the school’s journey. We have amazing facilities that provide so much scope for us to provide an extensive and rich curriculum for current and future generations.”

The County Council recognises that investing in education is vital to provide children and young people with the best start in life. Whilst this is delivered through a range of different providers, including maintained schools and academies, the County Council supports all schools, educational providers and early years settings to meet high quality standards.

Investment into schools is ensuring good classroom facilities and learning environments, including the delivery of a new 600 place secondary school in Worcester in the Newtown Road area of the city. The investment into the Council’s school estate will deliver more school places ensuring all children are able to access a provision of their choice that meets their needs and to match the needs of our growing County.