New school takes shape
The future of rural education is bright in Chagford, as works progress at pace on the brand new 210-place school at Chagford Church of England Primary School.
The two-storey school, set to open its doors to pupils in September 2018, also includes a 26-place nursery. Chagford School is part of the Education Skills Funding Agency’s £4.4 billion initiative targeted at rebuilding or refurbishing those school buildings in the very worst condition across the country. Chagford was awarded the rebuild based on the findings of a number of condition reports and technical surveys carried out by Devon County Council and the Department for Education. The purpose-built new school was designed in full consultation with the school, parents and members of the community during the design phase. The new building will meet all current design standards for acoustics, lighting, ventilation, indoor air quality and thermal comfort, as well as providing 21st century IT infrastructure, and improved security.
Headteacher Liz Wiseman said: ‘The existing school, built in the 1930s and converted to a primary school in 1971, is no longer fit for purpose. Our maintenance and energy costs are high, and more than ever, school funds are stretched. We are delighted to be part of this programme, and Kier Construction and the ESFA have kept us involved right the way through.’
Work began in earnest in August 2017 in preparing the foundations and the pupils and staff have enjoyed seeing the building works progress over the autumn term, as lots of diggers and cranes moved in. In November, a time capsule containing the thoughts and prayers of pupils, staff, governors and Kier Construction was laid in the foundations of the new hall.
‘We wanted to make sure that as well as lots of concrete, our new school will be founded on what really matters – love, understanding and being a place where every member of the school family is valued,’ said the Rev Paul Seaton-Burn, a former school governor and Team Rector of the Whiddon Mission Community serving the Chagford Parish and local community. ‘One way of expressing this has been the placing of Bibles previously used in our school within the new foundations.’
With the steel frame now erected, despite the high winds and rain in January, the contractors have begun roofing work and the school is really taking shape.
School Business Manager Nuala McDermott explained that the new school hall would be much bigger than the existing hall, and the school is keen to encourage and promote community use. ‘We are very much looking forward to extending our lettings programme, and sharing the space for everyone to enjoy,’ she said.
The school also has ambitious plans to build a multi-use games area in the grounds, following a survey of pupils, parents and the community last year, in conjunction with Lemon Gazelle, a local project management company.
Meanwhile, staff are busy with business as usual, while looking forward to moving into the new school at the end of July. The new school football pitch and playing fields will then be built on the site of the old school, with works due to complete by the end of the year.
More information about the project can be found at https://shapingyourworld.co.uk/locations/chagfordprimaryschool/ as well as regular updates on the school website.