The first brand-new primary school in Sandwell in more than 40 years opened its doors in Smethwick in September.
Shireland Technology Primary Academy opened to the first 90 children in its temporary home in a new classroom block at Shireland Collegiate Academy.
The children will remain in the building in Grange Road for a year while a new purpose-built primary school is constructed on the same site as the Academy with completion due in August 2020.
Work has now started on-site for the new £7m primary school building.
Councillor Joyce Underhill, cabinet member for best start in life, said: “We had a real need for primary school places in Smethwick and we are grateful that the children could be accommodated this year in their fabulous new temporary building on the Shireland Collegiate Academy site.
“Although this is a temporary home for the school, it is newly built and has been adapted fully for primary children.
“The children and staff look very much at home in their current school building and I know everyone is excited that construction has started on the new school.
“The plans for the new school look fantastic and I look forward to seeing it completed next summer.”
Once complete the new school will specialise in technology for 420 primary aged children and offer 26 nursery places.
Kirsty Grundy, Principal at Shireland Technology Primary Academy, said: “We are so excited to finally open our doors to families and pupils this September and our first month has been so successful with overwhelming support from families of our first cohort. The fact that children have been watching the construction of their new school during play-times is an amazing opportunity to see it develop and we are looking forward to seeing it finished next Summer ready for us to move in.
“Our aim is to prepare children for an increasingly digital world giving them the skills they need to succeed in learning and life beyond school as well as staying safe and this new build will give our children the chance to learn in bespoke learning spaces and wonderful environment.”
Plans for the new building will uniquely include a roof top play area for children and an Immersive Room where surround projection fully immerses children into different worlds and times.
Rob Lashford, regional director, Speller Metcalfe, said: “Speller Metcalfe is delighted to support Sandwell Council in the delivery of the new Shireland Technology Primary, which will not only provide a unique, purpose-built space for primary school children, but will also bring economic benefits to the local area through employment opportunities and local spend.”
The primary school joins a group of new and existing schools sponsored by the Collegiate Academy Trust, including Shireland Collegiate Academy, rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted and the newly-opened West Bromwich Collegiate Academy.
