Build latest Waltham

Enthusiastic children and staff had the first glimpse of their new school on a tour of the construction site in Waltham.

The Academy has been taking shape over the last nine months and will open its doors in September.

Being built by contractors Hobson and Porter for North East Lincolnshire Council, it will be run by Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust.

The visit marked the first time staff and children could take a sneak peak of their new teaching and learning environment.

“It’s very exciting,” said Milo Sunley, accompanied by mum Hannah to the Waltham site at Sunningdale.

The three-year-old will attend the academy’s reception class in September.

Hannah said they had enjoyed the tour, which included Milo’s classroom.

“After today we’re both excited to see the school when it is finished,” she said. “It looks like it’s going to be great, with nice big classrooms and high ceilings.”

Scott Wilson brought seven-year-old son Xander, transferring into Year 3.

“I used to be a teacher and really like the lay-out,” Scott said.

“I grew up around here and this is a good use of this land.”

As well as the classrooms, the visitors were shown the design and technology spaces and the libraries.

Lindsay Holness, Principal at Waltham Gateway, said a huge amount of thought and detail was going into the look and feel of the school and its curriculum.

“We believe we will match the fabulous learning environment with an exciting curriculum,” she said.

Executive Principal (Primary) at Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust, Andrew Clark, thanked the contractors and North East Lincolnshire Council for hosting the visit.

“It is really exciting that the building is coming on so well,” he said.

“This has been a long project, working in partnership with North East Lincolnshire Council, that is now coming to fruition.

“It is particularly nice to see children in the building and staff so excited about their new workplace.”

Councillor Margaret Cracknell, portfolio holder for children and education at North East Lincolnshire Council, said:

“It’s wonderful to hear these comments from the children and their parents, excited to see the finished school.

“I’m really pleased to see the progress. It doesn’t seem all that long ago that we were seeing the first spade in the ground, and now we can see the building, walk around the classrooms and corridors, and start to be able to visualise what it will be like for those children who will attend the school.

“It’s fantastic, and I’m proud that, as a local authority, we’ve been able to take a leading role in the creation of this new school.”

For a place at the school in September, please email enquiries@walthamgatewayacademy.co.uk

Pupils, parents, staff, council officers and representatives from contractors Hobson and Porter outside the Waltham build.

The main central corridor at Waltham.