New school opens as part of wider £20bn investment

A primary school in Derby has officially reopened after a major rebuild as part of a national programme to modernise sites across the country.

Pupils returned to the new building at Becket Primary School earlier this month, with the project forming part of a Department for Education (DfE) £20bn School Rebuilding Programme.

Derby City Council successfully applied for Becket Primary School and Pear Tree Infant and Nursery School - which is set to be completed next month - to be included in the scheme.

Becket Primary School headteacher Ashley Guest said the new building marked the start of an "exciting new chapter" for the school.

The new buildings at both schools feature modern classrooms, upgraded kitchens, halls, library and group spaces, as well as improved outdoor play and PE facilities.

Both schools have been designed to operate as net-zero carbon buildings.

Becket Primary School has been rebuilt on its existing playing field. Contractors will now demolish the old structures and create a new playing field.

Paul Hezelgrave, Derby City Council's cabinet member for children, young people and skills, said: "It's fantastic to see Becket Primary School open and full of pupils. The investment from the DfE has made it possible to create safe, modern facilities that meet the needs of today's pupils.

"It marks a major commitment to Derby's future, with new spaces that will enrich the experience of pupils, staff and local residents for many years ahead."

Guest added: "This wonderful new school is much more than just a building.

It is a place where our pupils can feel safe, valued and inspired to achieve their very best.

"We are excited to begin this new chapter together as a community and to see our children flourish in an environment designed with them at its heart."

The national School Rebuilding Programme involves major rebuilding and refurbishment projects at school and sixth-form college buildings across England.

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