Leighton school grows to meet demand

Pupils' excitement was clear to see as the expansion scheme at Clipstone Brook Lower School was officially opened.
Clipstone Brook new classroomClipstone Brook new classroom
Clipstone Brook new classroom

Work has been completed on a project to create another 150 places at the school in Brooklands Drive, Leighton Buzzard. It takes the capacity of Clipstone Brook from 225 to 375 pupils over the next four years.

As well as five new classrooms being built, the play area has been extended and a new library, toilets and a music and drama studio which links to the school’s main hall have all been created.

Pupils were at the forefront of a celebration ceremony with Key Stage 2 children speaking excitedly about their new classrooms and the various features including interactive white boards, as well as giving their thanks to different people who had made it happen; Key Stage 1 children gave their hopes and dreams for the new outside area; and then Key Stage 2 members of the school council cut the ribbon to officially open the new block.

Clipstone Brook new classroomClipstone Brook new classroom
Clipstone Brook new classroom

Among those joining pupils, staff and governors for the event were Central Bedfordshire Council chairman Councillor David Bowater, Executive Member for Education and Skills Cllr Mark Versallion, ward members Cllr Ray Berry, and members of the council team who have designed and project-managing the scheme.

Cllr Versallion said: “Listening to pupils talking about their new classrooms was an inspiring and heartening experience. These new rooms have had a positive impact already on the children here and touring the new facilities this afternoon, it is clear why.

“They are bright, airy and packed with state-of-the-art technology and I am very proud of the work and funding Central Bedfordshire Council has put into this, and of everyone involved in this school’s expansion.

“This part of Leighton-Linslade is popular with families and I am delighted that another expansion project has been completed to such a high standard.”

Clipstone Brook new classroomClipstone Brook new classroom
Clipstone Brook new classroom

Clipstone Brook headteacher Angie Hardy said: “The most important people at the ceremony were the children who delivered all their personal thank yous, future wishes and dreams to everyone. It was very much a child-centred event which everybody enjoyed.

“We are very happy and pleased with the facilities and look forward to welcoming future families joining our lovely school. It was a very special day for all concerned.

“The school would like to say a big thank you to Central Bedfordshire Council who selected our school for the expansion programme and to Modplan for delivering the vision for our Leighton Buzzard families.”

The expansion scheme is part of Central Bedfordshire Council’s ongoing £100million commitment to create 6,500 extra school places by 2017.

For more information about the New School Places programme, visit http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/school/organisation/programme.aspx