Wells mum 'proud' of Blue School community fundraiser

Major structural problems closed 20 classrooms at the school in the Kennion Building

A fundraiser organised by a parent has raised nearly £86,000 to provide outdoor shelters for school pupils.

Major structural problems closed 20 classrooms at The Blue School in Wells, Somerset, after "significant cracking" was found in the concrete floors in December.

Rachel Sherman started a fundraising appeal, which has now closed well above its initial £30,000 target.

"I'm really proud of it on behalf of everybody," Ms Sherman said.

"Without wishing to sound arrogant, I knew we would reach £30,000," she added.

"I had no doubt about that because I know what the people in Wells are like and how many ex-students there are.

"But to get to £85,000, it's just ridiculous really - but fantastic. It was a bit of a stunner."

Headteacher Mark Woodlock said the support was "overwhelming"

Ms Sherman added that she had received a lot of positive comments from teachers, parents and students.

"My daughter is in year 11 at the school and she was saying how they already appreciate the canopy that has gone up because there has been poor weather," Ms Sherman said.

"They have been sheltering underneath it and getting lunches from the new serving hatch."

The canopy was built with £30k from the fundraiser. The rest of the money will go towards additional outdoor shelter and seating areas.

"It's a really nice community in Wells anyway and it's been a really nice exercise in proving that everybody pulls together. It was a fantastic team effort," Ms Sherman added.

In a letter sent out earlier this year to those who contributed, headteacher Mark Woodlock described the fundraising efforts as "extraordinary".

He added: "Please consider how your positive actions have demonstrated the importance of this to our students."