Pupils say renovated school makes them feel 'happy'

Aston says he really likes the new "aesthetic" feel of the newly renovated building

Pupils at a school that specialises in social, emotional and mental health needs have said its new expansion makes them "happy" and has improved their learning.

New facilities at The Gateway School, in Tiffield, close to Towcester, Northamptonshire, were officially opened on Wednesday.

The former young offenders secure unit, which was closed for years, has been renovated and now has a gym, food technology suite, science rooms, a drama studio, a multi-use games area and a horticulture area.

Aston, 14, said: "I love the building the most, the building makes me calm, the space makes me calm, everything here is really nice."

Logan loved cooking in the newly renovated food technology suite

The secondary school has 100 students aged 11-16 and has the capacity to teach 117 pupils.

Logan, 13, said he has loved making gingerbread in the new kitchen, which opened in September, and has benefited from the smaller class sizes.

"It's helped me learn because there's less people to focus on.

"My last school was horrible, there were a lot of children in a little room, this is very different," he said.

Tyler said "everything" at The Gateway School was better than his last school

Tyler, 12, said: "It's helped me learn in many different ways, like cooking, like learning history, maths and English and all the teachers here are amazing."

He said the teachers made it such a great place as "they're kind".

For Aston the school makes him "happy" and said one of the best parts was the drama studio.

The new facilities were opened in September but its official opening took place on Wednesday

Conor Renihan, the school's executive head, said the new facilities had helped "hook" young people back into learning, who may have been "shut out of education".

He said it offers GCSEs, vocational qualifications, entry level skills, pastoral support and therapeutic help with a maximum of ten in a class.

"We're seeing quick results in the acceleration of learning and sometimes it's a marathon and not a sprint.

"The longer the pupils are here with us the better they do generally and they will leave us with meaningful qualifications and a destination to go to.

Mr Renihan said it also showed how "existing buildings can be repurposed to meet the needs of young people in our county".

Conor Renihan said most pupils came to the school with "complex issues"

The building works were funded by West Northamptonshire Council in conjunction with Creating Tomorrow Trust.

Mark Arnull, the leader of the Reform UK-led authority, said the council had an "issue" with its special educational needs and disabilities (Send) provision due to a predicted education budget overspend of £52.5m.

"If we can provide more infrastructure within the buildings we've got, we can adapt, then we're going to be removing costs in Send transport currently at £15.5m.

"We've got people travelling long distances, so if we can shorten journeys and provide the provision and improve the facilities, then that's something we've got to do," he added.