Borough primary school gets more space for more pupils

One of the borough’s primary schools has been given more space for more pupils thanks to Cheshire East Council.

Classroom capacity for Elworth CE Primary School, in Sandbach, has been expanded so that it can now accommodate 420 pupils, rather than 315. 

A four-classroom extension has been built, together with a multi-use games area and additional toilet facilities. The new extension was officially opened and blessed by the Bishop of Stockport, the Right Reverend Sam Corley.

The expansion project will help ensure the council meets its statutory obligations to provide sufficient school places and will help to accommodate children from new housing developments in Sandbach. The project was funded through S106 developer contributions and the Department for Education basic need grant.

The £1.8m scheme was to have started in early 2020 but the appointed contractor went into administration and a new builder – Manchester and Cheshire Construction – was commissioned to take on the project. The building work was completed in August 2021 in readiness for the new academic year.

Councillor Kathryn Flavell, chair of Cheshire East Council’s children and families committee, said: “We are pleased that this important project has finally been completed. It is important that our schools have the right capacity and facilities to teach and care for children in a spacious and healthy environment. 

“We hope that Elworth CE Primary School continues to flourish and succeed now that it has the space to take in more pupils. It is important that families moving into Sandbach from outside the area know that there is sufficient school capacity to accommodate their children.”

Pictured - Bishop cuts the ribbon at Elworth school.