Abbeywood Community School in Stoke Gifford has fully opened brand new and improved buildings and facilities, thanks to a £12 million project, funded by South Gloucestershire Council.
A new fully accessible 10-classroom block, with additional facilities for staff is now open, alongside other upgrades. The first phase of the project, which completed in March last year, included the refurbishment of the school kitchen, an extension to the dance studio, and upgrades to changing rooms for PE classes.
Additionally, supporting the council’s commitments to work towards net zero and save schools money in operating costs, an array of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels and air source heat pumps have been incorporated, helping the school reduce its carbon emissions and reliance on less energy-efficient and more polluting fuels such as gas.
South Gloucestershire Council Cabinet Member for Schools, Councillor Ian Boulton, said: “I am thrilled that this project is now complete and these improvements to the school will be enjoyed by staff and pupils alike for years to come.
“We have invested almost £12 million in this project, and in other parts of the district we have been able to get projects that had stalled underway. We don’t just want to talk about the future for our children in South Gloucestershire, we want to help build it. Better school buildings and catering for growing pupil numbers is a key part of that mission.”
Abbeywood Community School is part of the Olympus Academy Trust. Interim CEO, Claire Moloney-Banks, said: “Abbeywood Community School continues to grow at the heart of our community. Designed for 180 students per year group, we have expanded and now welcome 240 students annually. To support this growth and uphold our high standards, significant investment in our facilities has been welcomed.
“I am delighted to announce the opening of the new Olympus Building, a modern ten classroom block funded by South Gloucestershire Council. Alongside our enhanced catering, changing and drama spaces, this state-of-the-art building strengthens our provision and ensures we continue to offer a first-class learning experience.
“Together with our main school and the Engineering Centre, the Olympus Building positions us to serve our community with excellence for many years to come.”
The project has been funded using a combination of the council’s capital funding and S.106 contributions, which are provided from housing developments in the area, to help pay for the infrastructure needed to support new homes.
