Barnet’s newest primary school has been officially opened at the London Academy in Edgware.
The brand new multi-million pound school will cater for 420 pupils when it reaches full capacity and the London Academy, which is part of the AIM Academies Trust, now provides an all-through education for pupils from the age of four through to 18.
The school follows extensive work over the last three years involving the council, London Academy and the Department for Education.
Barnet Council contributed more than £6million to the overall £11million cost of the new school.
The ceremony on 9 November saw Lord Nash officially open the school. Lord Nash is Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Schools and the co-founder of the education charity Future.
Also attending the ceremony was The Worshipful the Mayor of Barnet, Councillor David Longstaff, and the Deputy Leader of Barnet Council, Councillor Daniel Thomas.
The new two form of entry school provides state-of-the-art learning facilities for its pupils, including purpose built outdoor play areas leading directly from classrooms, a multi-function main hall, and modern library resources.
It is part of the council’s wider investment programme to provide new primary and secondary places to meet the needs of Barnet’s growing population.
Councillor Reuben Thompstone, Chairman of the Children, Education, Libraries and Safeguarding Committee, said: “I’m delighted that the new London Academy Primary School has joined our family of schools, and will play its part in providing a first class education to our children.
“This fantastic new school is the culmination of a great deal of hard work between the council, the AIM Academies Trust and the Department for Education. It will play an important role in ensuring our schools keep pace with the demand for places in the borough.
“The new building provides a really inspirational space for children to learn and enjoy their time at school and I congratulate everyone involved in delivering such an outstanding building.”
Angela Trigg , AIM Academies Trust Executive Principal, said: “We are extremely pleased with the new primary school building.
“It is a credit to everyone involved that we have successfully delivered a building that fully reflects the beautiful design and educational vision of AIM Academies Trust.”