The new multi-million pound Courtney Primary School has been officially opened.
The development, funded by South Gloucestershire Council and built by Cowlin Construction, opened its doors to pupils at the start of the Autumn term and the children are already settling in and enjoying their new surroundings.
Councillor Sheila Cook said: “The new school is a fantastic facility for pupils, staff and the community. One of the council’s main priorities is to help ensure that children and young people get the best possible start in life and this new development demonstrates that commitment.”
Courtney Primary School headteacher, Keith Ledbury, said: “All the staff, pupils and parents are delighted with the new school and everyone has settled in well. The school has made an enormous difference and we are all really enjoying all it has to offer.”
The 210-pupil new building arcs around a number of mature trees which form the focal point from the hall and library windows and a large amphitheatre mirroring the curved building has been formed to the rear of the school providing playing space that can also be used for school performances.
All seven classrooms are located on the outside of the curve with glazed walls taking full advantage of the long views to the Cotswolds. Each classroom has its own separate terrace for outdoor teaching sheltered by a generous roof overhang and projecting piers.
The external area are fully landscaped with informal play and social areas, slides, sand and water feature play area and scooter play track.
To provide a sustainable building ready for the 21st century, there is:
- a green roof to reduce rainwater runoff, enhance site ecology and provide insulation
- a ground source heat pump which uses the ambient ground temperature to provide heating
- low water use fittings and sustainable urban drainage systems.
Neil Sherreard, Cowlin Divisional Managing Director, commented: “We could see, as the building developed below the old school, how much this was going to mean to everyone, the new bright, airy building has already made a great difference to school life in Courtney Road. The innovative design has provided space, inside and out, that is more conducive to learning and growing. We have a strong relationship with the School and South Gloucestershire Council and are extremely pleased to have handed over the building on time for the children to begin the new term in their new school.”
Source: South Gloucestershire Council
