Boost for education as work completes on multi-million pound school
Construction firm Hobson & Porter has completed work on a primary school in Northallerton.
The new term saw 18 children take their first steps into the £7m Oakbridge Church of England Primary in Alverton Road, where a housing development has been built.
The school is being run by the Dales Academies Trust and features indoor and outdoor sports provision, a library, an Early Years classroom and a purpose-built art studio.
Richard Hunter, managing director at Hobson & Porter, said: “Oakbridge Church of England Primary School is an exceptional school with superb facilities, which will make it a hugely valuable asset for the local community.
“It’s also a great addition to our portfolio of high-quality school and college projects that we’ve successfully delivered across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire in recent years, and seeing the school welcoming its first pupils is a special moment for the whole development team.”
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for education, learning and skills, Councillor Annabel Wilkinson, said: “I’m pleased to see a new primary school open its doors in Northallerton and welcome its first pupils.
“I’m extremely proud of the work and commitment that has gone into creating this impressive new, purpose-built school that will provide current and future generations with excellent facilities and quality learning environments.
“This is such a massive achievement and I would like to wish all pupils and staff the very best in their first week at school.”
Director of primary for Dales Academies Trust and executive headteacher of the new school, Nikkie Godbold, said: “It is lovely to now see the children using our carefully designed spaces. Our curriculum is broad, balanced, and ambitious and has reading at its heart.
“In partnership with our families, and the local community, we look forward to seeing our children learn and develop over the coming years.”
Chief executive officer for Dales Academies Trust, Damian Chubb, added: “It is a real privilege for Dales to be the sponsor for the new school and we are thrilled to reach this point in this exciting project.
“We are very grateful for the warm welcome we have received from the local community and look forward to playing a full role in its further development.”
The site was acquired through a planning condition agreed with a housebuilder developing land nearby.
The school has opened with an initial intake of reception class only but will welcome more and more pupils over a seven-year period until it reaches its full capacity of 210 pupils.
North Yorkshire Council’s assistant director for education and skills, Amanda Newbold, said: “This is an exciting day for everyone involved. The new Oakbridge Church of England Primary School is a welcome addition to our existing education provision in North Yorkshire.”
Ward member for Northallerton North and Brompton division, Cllr Steve Watson, said: “Oakbridge Primary will not only have big educational benefits for all pupils, but will also be a valuable asset for the local community.
“This is another key piece of the overall North Northallerton development.”
