Opening celebration for Goldthorpe Primary

A special assembly marked the school's grand opening, with lively input from the poet laureate for Barnsley, Ian Macmillan, and cartoonist Tony Husband.

Situated in the centre of the Dearne town, the building and its warm and nurturing environment accommodates 330 pupils.Classrooms within the school can be opened up to allow easy flow to outdoor lessons and activities.

Throughout its 12 months construction, site foreman Gordon Fawcett has paid regular visits to staff and pupils. He has led in assemblies, and organised a school trip to the steel fabricators, so the children could witness at first hand the structures being made.

He also led an initiative to raise money and provide breakfast for 80 students who were not being fed at home; this, along with many other community engagement activities led to two 10/10 scores from the Considerate Constructors Scheme.

The design was developed using a partnership approach between Barnsley Council, Robertson, NPS Barnsley and the school.

Head teacher Sarah Fields and staff have been actively involved and worked hard to ensure the homely feel of the old school was carried forward into the new building.