Wokingham

The new sixth form centre and two-storey teaching block, a key part of the expansion of Maiden Erlegh School, officially opened its doors in September. And to celebrate, headteacher Dr Peter Thomas, chair of governors Huw Jones and Wokingham District Council’s executive member for children’s services Cllr Frank Browne, attended a special ceremony on Thursday (October 12) to mark the occasion.

The new facilities house a Wokingham sixth form centre for 450 students, together with the English, media studies, sociology and religious education departments. Phase two of the expansion also saw the creation of a new business studies centre and additional drama, music, ICT, science and textiles facilities. Every pupil in the school will benefit from these new, state-of- the-art facilities.

The school in Silverdale Road, Earley, has been heavily oversubscribed for many years and Wokingham District Council has funded the £7.5million expansion and refurbishment project. The project has seen improvements made to the lower school, an extension of the dining area, alterations to the former sixth form area, remodelling of the assembly hall and additional general teaching classrooms. The final phase will see the construction of a single-storey science and mathematics block with four additional classrooms for general teaching. Work is already underway for the construction of an all-weather sports pitch.

The construction work of phase two has been co-ordinated by the district council’s property services team and builders ROK completed this phase on time.

Headteacher Dr Peter Thomas said: “These new facilities are already having a significant impact on teaching and learning at the school and teachers and pupils are thoroughly enjoying the airy and spacious new teaching accommodation. I am grateful to Wokingham District Council for this investment in the school, which will provide education facilities fit for the 21st century.”

Huw Jones, chair of governors, said: “I feel extremely proud of the development of Maiden Erlegh School and would like to acknowledge the staff and the district council working in partnership. We look forward to the final phase of the building being completed by summer 2007.”

Wokingham District Council’s executive member for children’s services Cllr Frank Browne said: “I am delighted to join Dr Peter Thomas and Huw Jones in officially opening this magnificent building. The development of phase two of the project is a major boost for the school and local community, providing state-of-the-art facilities.”

Wokingham District Council