On Thursday 28th April, we officially opened the doors to our new £1,375,000 building – which now houses a modern hall and dining area – and facilities including outdoor provisions, toilet blocks, and renovated classrooms equipped with the latest high-tech interactive whiteboards.
Our school – as we know it today – opened back in 1954 and officially joined Wickersley Partnership Trust (WPT) in 2021. In March 2021, the Trust – with funding from the Department for Education – began the process of transforming the building and its facilities into one that our children and local community deserve and are proud of.
Lawson Property Services, Hobkirk Electrical and Pentagon Play were brought in to complete the construction works, including:
- Extensive roof works and the installation of cladding
- Demolition of the building to the front of the school and construction of a new building and corridor
- Full electrical rewiring of the whole site which includes new LED lighting throughout
- Installation of new boilers/water heaters
- Full refurbishment of all classrooms, communal areas and toilet blocks
- Installation of new outdoor provisions in KS1 and Foundation Stage including a multi-use games area
During this time, our students temporarily joined Thrybergh Primary School – another primary school under WPT’s umbrella – for the summer term but were welcomed back to Foljambe in September 2021 whilst the remaining works took place.
After a 10 month wait, parents/carers, students, staff and School Governors came together for an Open Afternoon – which included a tour, Leadership Team speeches, student performances and collaborated parent/carer and student activities – to celebrate the new learning environment.
Beverley Tate-Brier, Headteacher of Foljambe Primary School, said: “Foljambe has been on a real journey over the past few years. The school originally opened in 1954 and many children and staff have passed through its doors but the one thing that hadn’t changed until now was the building itself.
“Over £1.3 million has been invested into the school to bring it into the 21st century and finally give the children the very best learning environment.
“We finally have our own kitchen with meals now cooked on site, fabulous outdoor areas, new toilet blocks and the latest SMART Boards and technology in all of our beautifully refurbished classrooms.
“It has taken 10 months to complete but has been well worth the wait. I’d like to thank all parents/carers, children, staff and the local community for bearing with us whilst these changes have taken place.”
Deborah Cooke, Chair of Governors at Foljambe Primary School, added: “As Chair of Governors for Foljambe Primary School, I am excited about the future of this school. The new build and facilities we now offer to the children in this school, and for future children in this community, are outstanding and nothing less than they deserve.
“Everything has been well thought out and planned to give the children the best that we can offer in a nurturing, caring and exciting environment. From exciting play areas outdoors to state of the art technology in our classrooms – all to help provide an exciting, fun and inclusive learning environment for our children.”
Joanne McCreath, parent, said: “I am astounded at the amazing work that has been competed at Foljambe. It has absolutely blown me away.
“The facilities for SEMH are fantastic, the SEMH provision is open to every school within the Trust. These children have somewhere that meets their needs with such supportive staff which is great.
“Any child that comes to Foljambe has a great school with great provisions. The change is amazing and I would like to thank WPT for making this school the school that these children and families deserve.”
Foljambe Primary School has places available and we would love to welcome more children to the school at this exciting time.
For Foundation Stage and school admissions, please contact us on 01709 850569 or office@foljambeprimary.co.uk.
