St Thomas's C of E Primary School in North Kensington opens

02/07/09

The Bishop of London has officially opened St Thomas's Church of England Primary in North Kensington.

The Bishop blessed the new school building and was treated to performances from the primary school pupils - including poetry readings, a steel pan band and Morris dancing.

The primary school, which welcomes children drawn from Golborne Wood and the surrounding area, now benefits from a dance and music studio, a secure play area and a Foundation Stage Unit specially designed for nursery and reception pupils.

The school - one of 149 Church of England Schools supported by the London Diocesan Board for Schools - has been redeveloped using an innovative funding model whereby the school is paid for using capital generated from the sale of a long lease of accommodation built above the classrooms.

The London Diocesan Board for Schools has successfully used this funding model across the Diocese before, both at St Mary and St Pancras in Camden and St Jude and St Paul in Islington. On this occasion the Board collaborated with property management and development group Places for People to create a mixed-use neighbourhood and education facilities which will benefit pupils and the wider community.

The Bishop of London, Dr Richard Chartres said:

"It was a pleasure to meet the pupils of St Thomas's Primary School and a real treat to watch their engaging and diverse performances.

"The tremendous commitment of the London Diocesan Board for Schools to the education of children is reflected in the growth and renewal of schools across the Diocese. Today St Thomas's Primary School provides an opportunity for us to celebrate these achievements."

Headteacher of the St Thomas's C of E Primary School, Sarah Bouette said:

"Our new facilities create a calm, pleasant environment which will enable children to learn and grow. I am delighted to welcome the Bishop of London to share with us in this wonderful celebration."