Bury Grammar School (BGS) has showed off its new facilities for its primary and sixth form students.
The Tenterden Street school has opened a new base for all primary pupils with "co-educational groups", meaning youngsters are no longer separated from their classmates at the age of seven when they move up to the juniors section.
New facilities including a bespoke library at the heart of the school, play areas full of interesting resources to inspire young, inquisitive minds, classrooms, and a grand entrance and reception area, have been fitted.
Primary Principal Chrissy Howard said: “I am so proud of our new primary division, it is most certainly a positive, friendly place to inspire awe and wonder for all our pupils and are already enjoying making the most from their new spaces.
“It has been exciting to see them explore and enjoy the many new areas our fantastic school has to offer.
"This is an important time for Bury Grammar School as we move to primary co-educational provision, and I believe the time could not be more perfect for our pupils.”
The division was officially opened by Diana Robinson BEM, a BGS "Old Girl" and former head of the Kindergarten.
During her 35 years at BGS, including 25 years as head, Mrs Robinson oversaw the building of a preschool and Kindergarten centre at the school, which provided additional facilities for pupils including a music room and a new library.
She was welcomed back as guest of honour at unveiling event to cut the ribbon and declare the new facilities open.
BGS' sixth form students will now also benefit from the Courthouse, a new facility to improve their opportunities, the school has said.
It has "faculty-based learning zones" with unique "subject-based hubs" for students to learn collaboratively and interactively.
Central to this is the magnificent former courtroom itself, which will provide space to house weekly assemblies and be used by to deliver lectures.
The existing sixth form centre will act as a base for careers, study areas and recreation.
There is now a sixth form study and careers library, which houses a catalogue of course materials and other useful bodies of work.
The Courthouse was officially opened by BGS "Old Boy" and former governor, Derek Calrow OBE.
Mr Calrow was awarded the OBE in 2021 for his charitable and political services and is one of BGS’ finest ambassadors.
He said: “It gives me great pleasure as a past governor to witness the vast improvement in facilities at the Bury Grammar School combined with excellent academic achievement in recent years.
“My congratulations go to the team of governors, heads and staff."
Both official opening ceremonies were held on October 14.
Principal Jo Anderson said: “Bury Grammar School is all about our pupils first and foremost.
“I am thrilled that these new facilities give the young people of today and of the future such a splendid, inspirational environment in which to grow and learn.
“Monumental efforts on the part of our staff meant that both major projects progressed from inception to fruition in just seven months - this just shows what our talented team can achieve at BGS.
“The key motivation for my colleagues, of course, is to provide the very best education to our pupils - their positive reaction has been the icing on the cake of a forward-looking and exciting project.
“I hope many future generations of pupils and parents enjoy our new facilities.”
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