Staff and pupils at St Cuthbert Mayne School in Torquay have celebrated the official opening of their new and improved buildings.
Their new facilities include a purpose-built building for special educational needs (SEN), newly refurbished classrooms, toilets and reception area.
The buildings were officially opened at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on 24th November, coinciding with the school’s annual Feast of St Cuthbert Mayne celebrations and the school’s 50th anniversary.
The new facilities are part of a large construction project at the school which has been funded with over £6m from Torbay Council, in partnership with the Diocese of Exeter, and project managed by TDA. Faced with rising demand for secondary school places in Torquay and historic condition issues at the school, a series of works were carried out to modernise the premises, increase capacity and improve the learning experience for pupils.
As well as a new SEN building, the completed works include a new and inviting glazed entrance foyer with new reception, installation of an accessible lift, refurbishment and reconfiguration of existing classrooms and science blocks, improvements to the chapel, expansion of dining areas and a new kitchen.
This major construction project has taken several years to complete and has brought a welcome transformation to the school which has over 1,000 pupils.
St Cuthbert Mayne Headteacher, James Down, said: “The staff and students at St Cuthbert Mayne are delighted with the new facilities which have been designed to improve the quality of curriculum delivery and deliver specialist provision for our most vulnerable students. The construction works have transformed the older parts of our school and given us the additional capacity needed as the school continues to grow year on year. We have been delighted to work again in partnership with TDA and building contractors Classic Buildings and M W Benney to achieve this project. These new facilities match the ambition that school leaders have to provide the best possible learning environment and facilities for our students.”
Leader of Torbay Council, Councillor David Thomas said: ‘‘Torbay Council is dedicated to the well-being and success of students in Torbay. With St Cuthbert Mayne School outgrowing its old premises and in need of refurbishment, it became vital that these improvements were made. We are proud to have supported this extensive programme of works and are delighted to see pupils and staff using these new facilities which will be enjoyed by generations to come.’’
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