A ceremony was held on Monday to mark the start of work on a new classroom block at a Biggleswade school – creating an extra 150 places.
Work on the new block at St Andrew’s C of E Lower School East, in Bantock Way, is set to be done in time for the first new reception classes to open in September.
The extra pupils will join over a phased five-year period.
Monday’s ceremony saw Central Beds Council representatives including chairman Councillor David Bowater joined by school staff and pupils, as well as representatives from builders Willmott Dixon.
Mr Bowater said: “It doesn’t seem long since St Andrew’s Lower School East opened, and it’s testament to how popular Biggleswade is with families that work is already taking place to extend the school.
“The council is doing plenty of work to expand good or outstanding schools in areas where there is demand, as it the case here. It means that more children can attend a good school on their doorstep, which is very important to families across Central Bedfordshire.
“I look forward to returning and seeing how work is progressing.”
St Andrew’s head Sue Rolfe added: “We are pleased that the size of our second school site is being increased to accommodate the growth of the town. We are also glad that the council is using the same builders so that our extension will blend in well.”
Five pupils wrote their own prayers to bless the building, along with a final blessing from Rev Guy Scott before the first cut in the ground.
For updates on the work, see standrewslowerschool.co.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here