Delighted children and staff at a Brentwood primary school have officially opened their new classrooms after an 18 month trip to heaven.

Head teacher at the Peniel Academy Junior School, Sue Brown, said: "It was like heaven moving into our new home and everyone here is so pleased."

The official opening was performed by Brentwood and Ongar MP, Eric Pickles, watched by other guests, at a special ceremony last week.

The seven classes had spent four years studying in temporary classrooms before major development work began at the Brizes Park school to build a new suite of 10 rooms for the children 18 months ago.

Among the new features are a library and arts and music room which has been a big hit with the pupils.

Mrs Brown said: "The cost of the work was between £200,000 and £300,000 but we managed to keep the costs down because a great deal of the work was done by parents, former pupils and friends of the school."

She said the children were extremely happy with their new environment and the arts room was proving incredibly popular with the youngsters.

She felt the new surroundings were having a positive effect on the pupils and teachers.

"It has definitely been a boost for everyone's morale and I think if the children and staff are working in nice rooms they work harder.

"The classes look fantastic, which is thanks to all those who helped with the decorating, they did a super job. And we also have lots of space to display the student's work."

Principal of the Peniel Academy, Bishop Michael Reid, said: "As a church school we are committed to providing the very best for our young people and I believe we now have classrooms which reflect the fact that this is the top performing school in Essex for GCSE results and give our students the quality of facilities which they deserve."

Published Monday, May 26, 2003

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