After almost a year working from portable buildings in the car park, pupils and staff at Falmouth Primary Academy have celebrated moving back into their refurbished school following £3 million worth of improvements.

The infant pupils were last in their classrooms in October and having endured a winter and summer in their temporary homes, are delighted to be back where they belong and quite literally under a brand new roof.

In addition to the new roof, construction and support services group Interserve has overseen the installation of energy efficient heating and lighting and the complete redecoration of the school. Throughout the time workmen were at the school, pupils were invited to “get involved” with the refurbishment through workshops and an assembly organised by Interserve.

The works’ team, along with their suppliers and subcontractors, also organised an employment and skills exhibition at the school to give pupils an understanding of the different types of careers on offer to them within the construction industry.

When staff and pupils returned to school after the summer holiday, they were able to move back into their new revamped classrooms, office, toilets, hall and dining room, which now doubles up as an art gallery, and last week they all gathered for the official opening.

Year two pupils Charlie and Kelly were given the privilege of cutting the ribbon, with the help of head teacher, Claire Smith, before the rest of the children celebrated by blowing bubbles.

Mrs Smith said: “I am absolutely delighted with our refurbished school which was completed without any closures and the school was able to function as normal throughout the project. I am really looking forward to continue to provide our pupils with an outstanding learning experience in our newly refurbished school.

“We are really excited, the children are really pleased to be back and the teachers are pleased to have their learning spaces back. Everywhere is looking really fresh.”

The school, which dates back to the 1950s, may have had a facelift, but the work is not entirely finished yet. The next project to be tackled is the provision of new play equipment which has been made possible through a £10,000 grant from the Big Lottery Fund. This will be installed in the top playground before Christmas.

Falmouth Packet:

Falmouth Packet:

Falmouth Packet:

Falmouth Packet: