Large investment in Crewkerne and Ilminster School
Released On 19th Dec 2022
Crewkerne and Ilminster schools are in the final phase of £8.6 million of major building and improvement works, finishing in time for the new school year in September 2023.
The combined efforts of school leaders, governors and staff, Bridgwater & Taunton College Trust, the Somerset County Council team and excellent local contractors saw major building works completed in time for the start of the Autumn term.
All of the major contractors, including Qube, HBC, DR Jones, Ark Removals and Futures For Somerset are local firms based here in Somerset.
The result of their works were: a new classroom at Ashlands Primary School refurbished classrooms at Herne View Primary School a new food and nutrition classroom and new dining space at Wadham Secondary School new Early Years Foundation Stage and Reception classrooms at Maiden Beech Primary.
School Works continue – with no disruption to learning and teaching – at Wadham School – replacing all the windows and doors, the heating system and refurbishing the science block.
By next March, Maiden Beech School will see four new large fully equipped classrooms. Merriott Primary School will have a new modular classroom built ready for September as part of the planned expansion of the School.
Pupils welcomed the improvements, commenting:
“I think the school feels fresh and new and we’re taking good care of it because it looks nice!” – Jack, pupil at Herne View
“It is better than my nursery because we have a huge playground.” – Annabel, pupil at Maiden Beech
“I think the school is really nice and the two schools are fitting together really well” – Alfie, pupil at Herne View
“There’s such a range of great spaces, both inside and out. Communal areas look fresh and bright and the quad area creates a community feel by the way it’s set out. Accessibility has been considered and appropriate equipment has been installed.” Emma Pattenden, parent of Herne View pupil
Councillor Tessa Munt, Executive Lead for Children and Families at Somerset County Council said: “I’d like to thank everyone who worked on this project for bringing everything together in such a short time. The changes will result in greatly improved facilities, and it’s through the efforts and dedication of everyone involved that pupils in Crewkerne and Ilminster can benefit from this investment in their education”.
Richard Burgas, Headteacher at Wadham School said: ”The year 7 students are making the most of the brand new food and nutrition room, it’s been an absolute hit! It’s great to see commitment from Somerset County Council in funding much needed improvement works at Wadham School and great to see the positive impact this is having on learning.”
“With ongoing work to replace all our windows and doors, heating system and to refurbish our science block, change is happening at pace to give our community the quality learning spaces they deserve.”
Carl Winch, Headteacher of Maiden Beech Primary Academy said “The investment received from Somerset County Council has transformed Maiden Beech Primary Academy. We now have a purpose built open-plan early years base, fully equipped with modern technology and brand-new facilities, creating an outstanding learning environment for our children.”
“Phase two of the project is now well under way and by March 2023 we will have four new large fully equipped classrooms for Key Stage 1.”
