THE youngest and oldest pupil cut a ribbon to mark the grand opening of the new Newton St Cyres Primary School during a ceremony attended by all those involved in making it happen.

Guests were welcomed by James Akhurst, Head of School and there was also an introduction by John Jolliffe, Executive Headteacher of the Exe Valley Federation.

The School Song was sung by the 100-pupils at the school, staff and guests and there was also a performance by the Exe Valley Federation band.

Speeches were also given by Jim Enright, chairman of Newton St Cyres Parish Council and former chairman, David Baker.

Mrs Margaret Squires, County Councillor for the area also made a speech and the school and the children and all the staff were blessed by Rev Katie Cross, vicar from the Netherexe Parishes.

Mr Jolliffe explained: “The theme of the ceremony was “working together” because so many people have worked very hard over many years to reach this point.

“It was a particular pleasure to hear the Federation band playing two pieces, led by Alison Golby.

“This band has members from all four schools and children from Year Two to Year Six playing a huge range of instruments.

“A huge thank you to Alison for all the hard work that went into the performance and to everyone who helped with transport and rehearsals. It was a great example of everyone working together and a real celebration of achievement.”

Mr Ankhurst, said: “We now have a new building fit for a modern day education.”

He added that he was pleased to say that the pre-school building has been successfully moved from the old site to the new.

He explained: “Work is now underway building a new roof and finalising the rest of the building ready for the new academic year.”

Children at the school recently described it as “amazing”.

Shortly after the children moved into the school, Mr Akhurst, who masterminded the move and made sure that everything that was needed was safely taken to the new site, said: “I am delighted with our new building and all the facilities that we can now use. We have been waiting for a long time for this day and everyone is very excited.” 

The new building has been financed by the Education and Skills Funding Agency following an application by the school to replace the old school, which was built in 1877. 

It had served the local community for many years but was no longer fit for purpose with crumbling walls and a variety of temporary classrooms that had long since deteriorated to an unfit condition. 

Located on the busy A377, the school was noisy and difficult to access safely and parents could not park safely near the school without risking the lives of their children in crossing the main road between Exeter and Crediton.

All that is now a distant memory, with the new building opening with a car park that is large enough to allow everyone to park safely.  

The new building has four state-of-the-art classrooms, a large hall and studio, which the Newton Nippers Pre-school is using until its building is ready.

There are also two library areas and a kitchen and offices inside and a large multi-use games area outside as well as a playground and field. 

One of the biggest bonuses for staff has been having everyone under one roof, making it much easier to keep an eye on the children as they move around the school and much less chance of getting soaked coming to assembly in the mornings.

The new building has been constructed by Elliott’s, who started work on the site in August last year, on land given to Devon County Council by John Quicke. 

Some of the building was constructed off-site and craned onto the site in late November.