Archbishop of York blesses renovation work at North Yorkshire School

Pupils, staff and specially invited guests came together on the afternoon of the 17th March to celebrate as Dr John Sentamu officially opened the completed building works.

The school, situated in North Yorkshire countryside, has beautiful landscaped grounds but the building had remained untouched for over 30 years and looked tired and jaded.

The support for improvement by North Yorkshire County Council and the priorities of the Diocesan Board of Education were evident in their awarding of £250,000 to fund the vital internal renovations of the school.

An ambitious plan to update the teaching areas was generated so that the children could work and learn in the best possible environment. With the support of architects, Sylvester Ashton, and the builders, Ancaster Developments, the Renovation '07 project began.

The building works were carried out and the children coped well with what at times was a difficult working environment. Day-to-day activities were continued, led by a fantastic team of teaching staff. A very successful Ofsted inspection and Church School inspection followed hard on the heels of moving back into fabulous new classrooms.

Headteacher Mrs Celia Curry said," Since January 2006 it has been a publicly stated priority to turn our school into one where governors, pupils, staff and parents recognise our distinctiveness and the very special role we have been given as a Church school. The building works were very important in this shift to give the children a first class environment in which to learn. We are thrilled with the results and extremely delighted and honoured to have Archbishop Sentamu perform a special blessing to mark so many new beginnings."

Kirkby and Great Broughton Church of England Voluntary Aided School is located in North Yorkshire. It caters for Primary children between the ages of 4-11. It currently has 110 pupils.