Transformation completed at The Buckingham School

A £2million transformation scheme at The Buckingham School has just been completed. It means the school can now accommodate up to 210 pupils in each year group; a total of 1050 pupils in years 7-11.

Completion of the works were celebrated on 30 September with a ribbon cutting ceremony by Councillor Zahir Mohammed, Chairman of Buckinghamshire Council and included speeches from Matthew Watkins, Chair of Governors at The Buckingham School, and Andrew McGinnes, Headteacher at The Buckingham School.

The works include conversion of a redundant motor vehicle workshop to create additional dining facilities, remodelling of general teaching classrooms, creation of additional science laboratories and prep rooms, refurbishment and extension of existing changing rooms and toilet facilities, and the remodelling of an external courtyard to create ‘al fresco’ dining. Works were funded from Section 106 contributions and Basic Need Funding.

Andrew McGinnes, Headteacher at The Buckingham School said: “We are very proud of this wonderful school and our growing reputation. We are rapidly growing in size as a school and the investment in this development means that our students are enjoying first-class science teaching, a wonderful indoor and outdoor dining area, as well as the latest design in safe and hygienic toilets and changing rooms. With six new general classrooms on top of that, it has been a fantastic lift for the whole school. The Buckingham Way strives to give our students the best, and these facilities will support our student-centred approach no end.

Matthew Watkins, Chair of Governors at The Buckingham School said: “This transformation scheme will allow the school to cater for more local pupils in a fresh and modern learning environment. The new facilities will enable us to continue to deliver a strong, broad-based, and innovative curriculum that is inclusive for all.”

The project was managed through a partnership led by Buckinghamshire Council’s School Commissioning and Property & Assets teams, GSS Architecture, Hamson Barron Smith, Borras Construction Limited, and The Buckingham School.

Councillor John Chilver, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Property said: “This has totally rejuvenated the school which now provides smart, attractive facilities for the staff and pupils. It is a great example of how old buildings can be revived with careful and considerate design.”

Councillor Anita Cranmer, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services said: “The school has better space, can take more pupils and now provide quality education in wonderful surroundings. I hope the pupils, teachers, staff and local community will enjoy the new school facilities for many years to come.”