School opens new multi-million pound science block

Year 7 pupils all have their form time together in the new science block

A new multi-million pound science block has opened at a Derby school after an increase in pupils joining in Year 7.

The block, which cost £6.365m and was funded by the city council, has been built on tennis courts at Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy, in Duffield Road.

The science classrooms were previously spread out across the school but the new block, which includes 12 laboratories - each fitted with an interactive whiteboard - and specialist prep rooms, means the department is now together.

Head teacher Hazel Boyce said it was an "incredible and a much-needed improvement at Saint Benedict".

There is an open evening on Thursday where the new block will be open for visitors to see

The school is part of St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi-Academy Trust, which said the building was a project between them and Derby City Council to support the city with a surge in children going into Year 7 this year and last year.

Mrs Boyce said the school welcomed an additional 90 new Year 7 students both this year and last year.

She added: "It’s fascinating the positive impact of a new building is having on the pupils. It’s very very calm, it’s completely focused, it’s equipped for the 21st century.

"To have the whole department all together, under one roof is a dream come true."

Kevin Gritton, chief executive officer at the academy trust, said: "It is fantastic to see this new building at Saint Benedict and we know that it is a welcome boost for staff and pupils."

Separate to the science block project, the school has been selected to be part of the government’s School Rebuilding programme but is waiting for more detail in terms of timescales and what this will entail.