Last Wednesday, Chair of B&NES Council, Cherry Beath, and Andrew Jolliffe opened the new, £700,000 classroom block at St Mary’s CofE Primary School in Writhlington. The block was designed by BA Architects of Bath, and built by Oakland Construction, beginning in February.

Before the ribbon cutting, a dance by the school’s elder pupils to Kool & The Gang’s ‘Celebration’ took place in the hall, as well as servings of tea and scones made by the children for the many guests.

After the dance routine, several students introduced the visitors to the school, before singing a humorous song about the Battle of Hastings.

Outside the new rooms, Cllr Beath said: “Cutting the ribbon is many years in the making. Congratulations to you all.” Cllr Beath also expressed her interest in returning to the school once the children have decided on a name for the new building. Andrew Jolliffe was representing Lord Hylton, who had gifted part of the land. The project was funded by B&NES Council and managed by Project Delivery, in association with the Schools Capital and Organisation Team.