First all-through school welcomed at Aylesford

The secondary school and sixth form will now offer education for 210 primary children aged four right up to 18, making it Warwickshire’s first all-through education site.

Celebrating the expansion, which is designed to accommodate the increasing numbers of families coming into the town, MP Chris White unveiled a plaque opening seven new classrooms.

Head teacher Steven Hall said with high demand for primary school places and more to come as housing numbers rise, they are delighted to open up to new younger pupils.

He said: “We are very happy with our new building and now we have to make it work for our youngsters.

“The change is to meet demand which is already there - the demand for next year is already huge. Growth in the area means there are just not enough places in existing primary schools.

“But we are delighted to take on the challenge and are all very pleased so far.”

The school opened its reception class in September which now has 16 pupils. It will take on an extra year group each year until 2020 when all primary age groups are in and part of the school system.

Mr Hall assured that despite the very different ages of pupils, all needs will be met with heads of secondary and primary sections.

Taking responsibility for the younger children as director of primary education is Ferncumbe head teacher, Sally Morris, who will continue to build and develop relationships between the two schools as the new site grows.

She said: “Things so far are going really well and we are delighted to be able to show off our buildings and welcome our reception pupils.

“Links with Ferncumbe will continue as a way of sharing ideas and this will hopefully meet the needs of the town where primary school places are in high demand.”

As well as sharing facilities and expertise, primary pupils are given a mentor from Year 7 to help get them used to the older section of the school.

The secondary classes will continue to take pupils from other primary schools but those registered at Aylesford will automatically move up though the years.

The build was funded by national education grants and a £2.7million investment Warwickshire County Council.

The school was officially opened last week by Chris White MP and mayor,Mandy Littlejohn who were joined by staff members, contractors, pupils and PTA members.