Sunflower represents bright new future for merging Fratton schools joining forces to become ‘Penbridge Schools’

Penhale Infant School and Newbridge Junior School have joined forces to become Penbridge Infant and Nursery and Penbridge Junior School, and staff say the ‘excellent’ move will give young people an educational boost.

While the schools officially joined this September, they have been working together over the last 12 months to ensure a smooth transition for its pupils.

By joining together, both the nursery and junior school will be able to offer their children a complete primary education on two different sites.

The new logo for Penbridge Schools is a bright yellow sunflower.

Anna Webb, executive headteacher for Penbridge Schools, said: ‘For many years, the infant and junior schools have worked closely together, sharing curriculum improvements and taking part in events for our children.

‘Both locations becoming Penbridge Schools is a natural progression.

‘I'd like to thank our staff, children, and the larger community for their support, and I'm looking forward to the next chapter in our journey.’

The two schools celebrated with a party and Penbridge Infant and Nursery welcomed Councillor Suzy Horton, cabinet member for children and education, to cut the ribbon.

Cllr Horton said: ‘I am absolutely honoured to be invited to this special event.

‘The importance of schools is very well known but having two schools join together is particularly important for continuity and team building.

‘This has been a challenge but a very successful one. It gives the feeling of taking all the best bits of each school and having a fresh new start.’

Caroline Morris, head of school at Penbridge Infant and Nursery, said it was ‘really exciting’ to be embarking on this next stage.

She said: ‘We have been working together for two and a half years and it’s great to bring the two schools together.

‘The children look amazing in their new uniforms.’

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Meanwhile, Penbridge Junior School welcomed special guest Stephen Morgan, Portsmouth South MP and shadow schools minister, to explore the school.

The MP said: ‘As a former pupil of both these schools, it’s encouraging to see them working even closer together to ensure every young person succeeds and thrives in our community.

‘It’s been fantastic to visit the school today as the new term starts and I look forward to hearing about the future successes of Penbridge Schools.’

The schools are part of the Thinking Schools Academy Trust, and headteachers from nearby Thinking Schools, including The Portsmouth Academy, New Horizons Primary School and Meon Junior School Academy, also attended to celebrate the schools’ transition along with Lord Mayor, Cllr Hugh Mason and lady mayoress, Marie Costa.

Natalie Sheppard is director of education for Portsmouth Schools at Thinking Schools Academy Trust.

She added: ‘I am thrilled to see so many members of our staff, children, and community in Portsmouth celebrating the opening of Penbridge Schools.

‘Children in Portsmouth will receive an excellent, all-through primary education as a result of the merging of both sites.

‘I am really excited to see where Penbridge School goes, and am incredibly proud of Anna and her team.’