Duchess of Gloucester opens Derby High School's new building

The Duchess was given a tour of the new build

Posted by Stephanie Broad | November 01, 2016 | Facilities & buildings

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HRH The Duchess of Gloucester has officially opened a state-of-the-art new building for infant and nursery pupils at Derby High Primary School.

Pupils and staff welcomed HRH The Duchess of Gloucester, Birgitte Eva Henriksen, to the school in Hillsway, Littleover.

Her Royal Highness was taken on a tour of the new building, during which she talked to the children and the teachers, before the official opening ceremony in the Hall. She was entertained by the Junior Choir and presented with a small gift at the end of the ceremony.

Pupils from pre-school to Year Two are based in the two-storey building which has eight classrooms and a hall.

A stained glass window from the former infant building, Southlands House, has been incorporated into the new building as a piece of art on an internal wall to retain part of the school’s history.

There is also a dedicated kitchen area with a cooker, funded by Derby High School’s PTA, that children can use for practical lessons. A new outdoor play area has been created following the demolition of Southlands House.

Architects Pick Everard designed the new building and builders Bowmer & Kirkland were responsible for construction.

Denise Gould, Headteacher at Derby High School, said: “We were delighted and honoured to welcome HRH the Duchess of Gloucester to Derby High School to celebrate the completion of this very important project. We very much hope that she enjoyed her visit as much as we enjoyed preparing for it.”

We have involved the children as much as possible so that they really feel that they own the school and they are very proud of what we have achieved - Michelle Hannaford, Headteacher of Derby High School’s primary department

Michelle Hannaford, Headteacher of Derby High School’s primary department, said: “The whole project from start to finish has been a delight to be part of. We have involved the children as much as possible so that they really feel that they own the school and they are very proud of what we have achieved.”

Paul Rothera, national director at Pick Everard, said: “We’re delighted to have delivered a high quality, exciting design which will enrich the school community and further its offering to pupils – and future pupils - in Derby and the surrounding areas.

“Our considerable experience in the education sector meant that we were able to work closely alongside Derby High School to complete a design that they were happy with and incorporating the stained glass window has really brought the school together – combining the old with the new. It’s a beautiful building and I wish both pupils and teachers many happy years in the space.”