Martlesham Primary Academy Unveils Exciting New Learning Spaces

Martlesham Primary Academy Unveils Exciting New Learning Spaces

Martlesham Primary Academy is celebrating a major redevelopment that has transformed key areas of the school, creating modern, inclusive spaces for pupils to learn and thrive.

Thanks to investment from Suffolk County Council, the school has welcomed a brand-new Year 6 classroom, a dedicated SEND classroom, upgraded toilet facilities, and improved drainage systems. The project also included the redecoration of an additional classroom, enhancing the overall learning environment.

External view of new classroom

Headteacher Emma Churchman shared her excitement about the transformation:

"This project marks a huge milestone for Martlesham Primary Academy, ensuring we can provide the very best facilities for our children. Martlesham Primary may be a small school, but we are a vibrant place buzzing with positivity and possibility—our new learning spaces are already making a real difference to both the children and staff, and it’s been brilliant to see how positively they are responding to our new-look school."

The redevelopment was made possible through close collaboration between REAch2 Academy Trust, Suffolk County Council, Concertus (project managers and design consultants), and Seamans Building (lead contractor). Despite the challenges of working on a live school site, the project was completed with minimal disruption to children’s learning, ensuring that pupils could continue to benefit from high-quality education throughout the process

Ribbon cutting outside new classroom with children celebrating

REAch2 CEO Cathie Paine formally opened the new facilities and praised the efforts of all involved:

"We are thrilled to see this investment come to life. This is a great example of how strong partnerships can deliver real benefits for schools and their communities. Martlesham Primary School is already a great school, and I’m excited to see them go from strength to strength in these fantastic new facilities."

The new spaces were officially handed over during the October half-term, and pupils are already embracing their enhanced learning environment. With these enhancements, Martlesham Primary Academy is now even better equipped to support its pupils' learning and development for years to come.

Charles Coulson, Associate Director at Concertus, said, “The new expansion is a fantastic asset to the children and local community. The team worked hard to create a new state-of-the-art learning facility, and we were pleased to see the students enjoying their new classrooms at the official opening”.

Government Commits to Rebuilding Chigwell Primary Academy

Government Commits to Rebuilding Chigwell Primary Academy

Our school leaders and staff at Chigwell Primary Academy are today celebrating the news that the academy has been selected to be on the Government’s list to rebuild.

The long-awaited good news comes after seven years of lobbying for investment by the school and the Trust to make sure the school buildings and facilities are fit for purpose.

Chigwell Primary Academy joined REAch2 in 2015 and it was clear even then that significant funding was needed from the Government to address years of dilapidation and repair needs.

In June earlier this year, over 350 parents and staff signed a petition organised by the school and REAch2 to make the case to Government for the need for a new school building.

Our Chief Executive Cathie Paine remarks:

“The school has been in urgent need of major capital investment since the school joined the REAch2 family in 2015 and there has been a huge effort since then to explore ways to make the buildings fit for purpose, despite the brilliant job that the whole school team do day in, day out to create a warm and nurturing environment in which children can thrive. “

cathie paine, chief exective of REAch2 Academy Trust

Our Chief Executive Cathie Paine remarks:

“The school has been in urgent need of major capital investment since the school joined the REAch2 family in 2015 and there has been a huge effort since then to explore ways to make the buildings fit for purpose, despite the brilliant job that the whole school team do day in, day out to create a warm and nurturing environment in which children can thrive. “

Cathie Paine, CEO of REAch2 Academy Trust

Children still thrive at the school despite the challenges of the building. Elaine Brook, Executive Headteacher of Chigwell Primary Academy adds:

“As a school, we work tirelessly to ensure the children have the best learning experiences possible and this has been challenging in our current building.  The opportunities this new building will provide for our children are exciting to consider.  Our school community has been faithful and supported the school through this challenging time and this is something we can all celebrate.”

Local MP, Dame Eleanor Laing has played a key role in supporting the school. She comments:

"This is great news.  I have had several meetings with the Minister and have presented evidence of the urgent need for new buildings for the School.  I am delighted that plans can now go ahead for this much needed project.  Chigwell Primary Academy is a great school.  It has brilliant teachers and supportive parents. We can now look forward to future generations of children benefitting from new buildings."