26/10/2018 - Permalink

Long Mountain Primary School to officially open its new school buildings

Related topics: Children's services / Partner organisations

Long Mountain CE Primary School in Worthen is to officially open its new school buildings on Friday 9 November, with parents, former pupils and neighbours invited to join in the celebrations.

The school will be opened by local resident Kelda Woods who is about to row single-handed across the Atlantic to inspire young adults facing mental or physical trauma who are supported by her Climbing Out charity.

The opening will be at 2.30pm, followed by an open afternoon from 3.30-4.30pm.

Long Mountain CE Primary School was formed after Worthen School, Hope CE Primary School and St. Mary’s CE Primary School, Westbury began working together in a federation in 2016 to provide good quality education for local children, that was sustainable in the long-term.

In August 2017, Hope and St. Mary’s closed and pupils and staff moved to the Worthen site.

Builders started on the site in November 2017 and the work was completed on schedule in August 2018, in time for pupils to return to school after the summer holiday.

The improved accommodation includes a new classroom, group room and library, as well as new toilets. There is also a purpose built nursery and outdoor play area to accommodate the pre-school and a large new secure entrance.

The school now has 100 pupils on roll, in four classes, and also has a thriving pre-school.

Jane Gill, headteacher of Long Mountain CE Primary School, said:

“Pupils and staff are really proud of their new buildings and coming to work here every day is a pleasure. We’re really excited about our official opening on 9 November and look forward to welcoming new and old friends to the school that day.”

Margaret, a Year 5 pupil, said

“It is wonderful! I love my class, the staff and the cosy new library, with sneaky areas to read a book!”

Karen Bradshaw, director of children’s services with Shropshire Council, said:

“We’re delighted that the new school buildings at Long Mountain School are soon to be officially opened. It’s brilliant to see the school thriving and this is thanks to the hard work of a lot of people, not least the head, the governors and, of course, the pupils. I wish everyone connected with the school a happy and successful future.”

The original school buildings on the present site were erected in 1986, as a replacement for the previous Victorian school located elsewhere in the village.

For more information about the school, click here to visit their website.

Further information 

Earlier in the day on 9 November:

  • a storyteller will entertain the pupils, and children will write letters to Long Mountain children 20 years from now, which will be sealed in a box to open in the future.
  • An apple tree will be planted in the pre-school garden.
  • Kelda Woods will talk to children about her solo row across the Atlantic, her charity and her work with young people.