Grace Cook Primary and Nursery in Stowmarket opens its doors to 270 pupils

A new primary and nursery school has officially opened to welcome more than 200 children.

Grace Cook Primary and Nursery in Fuller Way at Chilton Leys, Stowmarket has opened its doors after more than a year of development.

The school is part of the Orwell Multi-Academy Trust (OMAT) and has been funded by Suffolk County Council’s capital programme and designed by Concertus Design and Property Consultants.

Headteacher Richard Dedicoat said: "It has been an exciting journey working alongside R G Carter, Concertus and Suffolk County Council to finally open Grace Cook Primary School and Nursery.

"We aim to capture the interest and imagination of our pupils and inspire them to aim high, keep trying and never give up - dream it, believe it, achieve it."

The school is named after astrologist Alice Grace Cook who was a pioneering British astronomer from Stowmarket.

It has welcomed 210 pupils who will fill eight classrooms of the two-storey building, while 60 children will attend the single storey nursery.

There is also a football pitch, ball court, outdoor play areas and bike shelters to encourage children to cycle to and from school.

Rachel Hood, cabinet member for education, SEND and skills, is pleased with how the facility has been produced and is confident the school will help children achieve their goals for generations to come.

She said: “After many months of construction, it is wonderful that the school and nursery is finally open, and children and staff can enjoy all it has to offer.”