It's been a long wait - but pupils in Cardenden will start a new era this week when they move into the new Cardenden Primary School - after nearly two years sharing a building with Denend Primary.

The new Cardenden school building opens its doors for the first time on Thursday 19th August after a complete rebuild and refurbishment of the school building. Cardenden children have been sharing a school with Denend Primary School since November 2008.

The school was closed at the end of October 2008 due to structural concerns in part of the building. After an extensive structural investigation the Education and Children's Services Committee decided in April the following year that the existing two- storey block, which was causing concerns, should be demolished and the existing single-storey block extended and refurbished.

The new-look building is now complete and Cllr Douglas Chapman has officially handed over the keys to Headteacher Jackie Funnell.

Cllr Chapman said:"While the keys were handed over to Mrs Funnell today, I would love to see the reaction of the children when they start in their new school on Thursday morning. It's looking fabulous."

Jackie Funnell, Headteacher, said: "I am absolutely delighted to be back in our own school and I'm sure the children will be thrilled when they get here on Thursday.

"The actual building work only began in January of this year and it is incredible that we will be starting the new school year in our new school, on time and to schedule. It really is down to the hard work and commitment of all involved."

The new school has a number of 'green' features, such as the rainwater harvesting system which will be used for the toilets and the new building is particularly energy efficient thanks to the high level of insulation provided throughout the school and the underfloor heating system.

One of the design features of the new school is the timber frame structure which is visible within the classrooms. It isn't only decorative, however, it can also be used to an educational advantage as the children are able to see how their new building is constructed.

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