School nearly doubles in size with new extension

The new extension means the school is able to almost double the number of pupils

A primary school has nearly doubled its capacity with the completion of a new extension, enabling it to meet growing local need, senior staff say.

Sherford Vale School and Nursery in Plymouth, Devon, was at full capacity with 250 pupils until the new wing opened following a 10-month construction project.

The school, which opened in 2018, would now be able to offer places to up to 460 pupils aged from two to 11, staff said.

Head teacher Susie Evans said the extension would "significantly enhance our educational provision and create an enriched learning environment for our pupils".

Head teacher Susie Evans joined pupils from the school, their families and contractors to celebrate the opening of the new extension

When the extension was announced, Ms Evans said it would mean "twice as many local children" could attend.

Thanking contractors, she said the expansion "reflects our ongoing commitment to providing high-quality education and ensuring that our facilities meet the needs of our growing school community".

Pupils, families, school staff and contractors gathered on Friday to celebrate the official opening of the new wing's completion.

Facilities in the extension included eight new classrooms, work spaces, cloakrooms and toilets, staff said.

There was also a new outdoor play area and gazebo, they added.

The construction, which began in August 2023, was led by Devon Contractors, with the extension designed by architects Stride Treglown.

The school's expansion was funded by the Sherford Consortium, a partnership of housebuilders Taylor Wimpey and the Vistry Group, supported by Devon County Council.

The school will be able to offer places for up to 460 pupils now the extension has been completed

The school, which is run by the Westcountry Schools Trust (WeST), is the first of four new schools which will serve the new town and surrounding area, a spokesperson for the Sherford Consortium said.

Rob Haring, chief executive of WeST, said: "With these enhanced facilities, we can support even more students in achieving their full potential in a nurturing and high-quality learning environment."