A new super state of the art school has opened in east London as part of a flagship regeneration development.
Greatfields School in Barking, which will eventually be part of a campus for 2,430 students, including a primary school, secondary school and sixth form first opened its doors in September 2016, and has just moved Year Seven and Year Eight pupils to its new permanent accommodation.
The school, which is being built in three stages, will cover over 21,500 sqm on the former Gascoigne Estate, which is being redeveloped to provide hundreds of quality, affordable homes.
Headteacher of Greatfields School, Richard Paul, said: “I am thrilled with the quality of our brand-new school which has been designed with our teaching and learning philosophy at the core.”
The ‘inside out’ design means larger, modern classrooms that allow teachers to arrange the flexible teaching spaces according to needs and can literally ensure no pupil is put to the back of the class.
Mr Paul added: “Our new building is at the heart of this wonderful community and my staff and I will work tirelessly to ensure that the young people of this community have access to a first-class education which gives them the opportunity to go on and achieve their aspirations.”
The Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council commended Partnership Learning and Be First for the speed and efficiency of the build, which means Barking and Dagenham continues to build new school places for new communities.
Cllr Rodwell said: “We are keeping pace with our fast-growing school population, meaning no child in this borough is without a school place.
“Greatfields School is a great new school for a great regeneration project in London’s growth borough, and I am sure the staff and pupils will produce great things in the future.”
Pat Hayes, Managing Director of Be First, which is helping to deliver the project, said: “Greatfields School is at the heart of one of our flagship regeneration projects and our mission to help deliver 50,000 homes and 20,000 jobs in the borough over the next 20 years.”
