Major revamp of schools to be revealed

TWO historic schools that were given a major revamp as part of a £1.9m flagship scheme when conditions became too cramped go on show for the first time tomorrow.

The new facilities at the neighbouring Gladstone Road Junior and Infant schools, in Scarborough, will be revealed at a special open evening in a bid show off the long-awaited development, which has been funded by the county council.

The project went ahead after the authority bought a neighbouring factory site to allow the schools to be extended to enable the buildings to meet “the demands of a 21st century curriculum”.

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The junior school has seen a block of four new classrooms and a new library built, as well as upgraded facilities and a major extension of its playground.

The school also has a new entrance and staff room and music tuition rooms and a multi-use games area have been built.

A first floor classroom with curved walls and floor to ceiling windows has been built at the infant school, along with a covered play area, which has created an outdoor classroom.

In addition, the schools and the county council have jointly funded a kitchen refurbishment over the summer holidays.

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Built in 1890, both schools were squeezed between factory sites and housing in the middle of the seaside town, despite being home to almost 800 children.

If the schools were combined it would be one of the largest primary schools in England.

County Coun Arthur Barker, executive member for schools, said: “It is going to make a massive difference to local children.

“Both schools are on a very tight site in central Scarborough but through the use of exciting design we have created a modern and spacious school from these traditional buildings.”

The junior school’s headteacher, Brian Robinson, said the new facilities will allow the development of music and sport.

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