Sytchampton Primary School finally gets new classrooms

Children at Sytchampton Primary School were overjoyed to see their old portable classrooms, which had mould and mushrooms growing in them, replaced with a brand new building containing multiple classrooms.

Matt Richards unveiled a plaque at Sytchampton Primary School. (Image: Newsquest)The second-hand cabins had been in use since 2006 and pupils were forced to be taught in cold and wet conditions. 

It led the school, councillors and charities to fundraise across four years to raise the £652,173 needed to get the cabins replaced.

Matt and Amanda Richards in the new classroom. (Image: Newsquest)Headteacher Amanda Richards said: "This feels amazing, and I am so happy we have finally managed to secure this, not just for the children today but for future generations long after I am.

"This will have a huge positive impact on their learning."

Over the past six months, the children had been taught in the hall and staff room while their new classrooms were being built, and today (Wednesday), they finally got to see them.

Inside one of the new classrooms. (Image: Newsquest)The school had hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the occasion and invited world champion and Olympic champion Matt Richards, whose mum is also the head of the school.

Ms Richards added: "He was really up for coming and opening it and has been really supportive - he's seen our journey through this."

DREAM COME TRUE: Isla Rowland and Francesca Downer. (Image: Newsquest)Isla Rowland and Francesca Downer, pupils at the school, said they were both over the moon to see Matt Richards and have even joined the Droitwich Dolphins to follow in his footsteps.

Francesca said meeting him was a dream come true, and she is happy to finally see her classroom.

Isla added: "It feels nice as this has so much more space. 

The plaque that was unveiled. (Image: Newsquest)"I think my learning will benefit in this new space and be in a modern classroom.

"I am really happy for Matt to come, and he has inspired me to want to go to the Olympics."

The village school is voluntarily aided, which means it does not have access to any funds from local authorities or the church. 

An assembly was held where thanks was given. (Image: NQ)It meant that the school was reliant on fundraising to get enough money.

Around £30,000 was raised by the school's PTA through charity events.

"I never thought a community village school would raise this much - £30,000 seemed like a long way away.

"There are many people that have given so much, and people have really pulled together to get us here."