New classroom rounds big period of change for Hambledon school

Hambledon Primary opened its classroom with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The opening yesterday marked the end of a three-year period of transition from an infant school to an all-through primary.

Headteacher Paul Davies said: ‘The new classroom provides a wonderful environment for learning and will help our growing school provide the very best education for our pupils.’

The building has hi-tech equipment such as an interactive touchscreen whiteboard and acoustic panels to reduce echoing in the corridors.

Pupils planted wild flowers as part of improvements to outdoor areas.

The school, in Church Lane, welcomed the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson, to do the honours of cutting the ribbon at the ceremony.

He said: ‘It’s such an exciting bright, new, modern space for both the children and staff.’

The extra classroom will help the school accommodate its first full complement of classes from reception to Year 6.

Refurbishments had already been carried out when the school began its transformation.

The Lord Lieutenant also unveiled a commemorative plaque in front of guests including Councillor Peter Edgar, Hampshire County Council’s executive member for education.

He said that the opening of the facility is the ‘finishing touch’ to the extensive improvements made to the school by the council.

Cllr Edgar added: ‘It allows the school to make the most of every inch of the site.

‘As a large authority we have the capacity in-house to improve and maintain our schools, ensuring good value to the taxpayer, with our own designers and other specialists experienced in school building.

‘Clearly, the children are very proud of their school, and this just goes to show how much quality facilities can help to motivate and inspire young people.’