More than 200 extra school places have been created in Keynsham after a major expansion at St Keyna Primary School doubled the size of the site.
Welcoming the extra spaces at St Keyna Primary School | Photo © B&NES Council
Bath & North East Somerset Council has invested £5.3 million in the project, which has increased the school to two-form entry and created capacity for 420 children.
The additional places are intended to help meet demand from new housing developments and population growth in the area.
The new building has now opened to pupils this term. Designed and built to Passivhaus standards, it is intended to deliver long-term savings on energy use and carbon emissions.
The council said the new teaching spaces offer more stable internal temperatures and improved acoustics, creating a more comfortable environment to support children’s learning.
The scheme has also brought wider changes to the school site, including landscaping works, a dipping pond, new outdoor play equipment, a new football pitch and a second pedestrian entrance at Kelston Road.
Funding for the project came from Basic Need Grant, Section 106 contributions and Community Infrastructure Levy money.
Councillor Paul May, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “It’s wonderful to see children enjoying their new learning spaces at St Keyna Primary.
“The opening of the expanded building is a positive moment for families in Keynsham, enabling more children to learn close to home in a building designed around their needs.
“By investing in a highly energy-efficient school, we’re showing our commitment not only to better long-term outcomes for children, but also to taking meaningful action on the climate emergency by reducing carbon emissions.”
An official opening ceremony is due to be held later this spring.
Sue McGrain, chair of governors, said: “We’re delighted with our new building. It’s a lovely environment for the children to learn in, as it has been finished beautifully with a lot of thought given to aesthetic qualities.
“Because it has been built to Passivhaus standards, we’re looking forward to low energy bills which will allow us to spend more of our income directly on the children.
“We’re also very excited about the developments to the grounds, which will provide even more opportunities for the children to play, relax and learn in the outdoor environment.”
The scheme was designed by Quattro Design Architects of Gloucester, with Bath-based H Mealing & Sons completing the nine-month construction programme. Method Consulting, Curtins and Zero Energy were also part of the design team.
