Martlesham Primary Academy celebrates completion of £750,000 refurbishment

A Suffolk primary school has marked a ‘huge milestone’ following the completion of a £750,000 redevelopment.

Martlesham Primary Academy now has a brand new block featuring a classroom for year six students, a cloakroom, toilet facilities and plant room.

In addition, pupils with special educational needs (SEN) can now make use of a new classroom designed specially for them.

The new facilities were opened at a ceremony on Wednesday.

Emma Churchman, headteacher, said the project marked a huge milestone for the school, allowing to provide the facilities it can.

She said: “Martlesham Primary may be a small school, but we are a vibrant place buzzing with positivity and possibility.

“Our new learning spaces are already making a real difference to both the children and staff and it’s been brilliant to see how positively they are responding to our new-look school.”

As part of the project, another classroom was redecorated and toilets for both boys and girls were upgraded, alongside drainage systems.

The project was funded by Suffolk County Council, managed by Concertus, and undertaken by Seamans Building.

Being on an active school site, the development faced challenges but was complete with minimal disruption to students.

Martlesham Primary Academy is run by REAch2 Academy Trust.

Cathie Pain, chief executive, said the trust was thrilled to see the investment come to life.

The trust hoped it would offer a more modern, inclusive, and inspiring environment for pupils.

She added: “This is a great example of how strong partnerships can deliver real benefits for schools and their communities.

“Martlesham Primary is already a great school, and I’m excited to see them go from strength to strength in these fantastic new facilities.”

Charles Coulson, associate director at Concertus, felt the new expansion was a fantastic asset to both children and the community.

He added: “The team worked hard to create a new state-of-the-art learning facility, and we were pleased to see the students enjoying their new classrooms at the official opening”.