Pupils pay tribute to new school building – in paint!

Kingsgate Primary School officially opened its new building on Tuesday with pupils picking up their paintbrushes and displaying their artwork in an assembly to mark the occasion.

Camden Council expanded Kingsgate Primary School to create up to 420 new school places at the new site on Liddell Road - now known as Liddell Place - in the North-West of the borough, where demand for reception places has been highest.

The new building has been funded through the Council's Community Investment Programme.

Councillor Angela Mason, Cabinet Member for Best Start in Life at Camden Council, said: “Kingsgate is rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted and it now has a beautiful building to match the excellent teaching and support its staff provide. We’ve delivered this new school through our Community Investment Programme, providing much-needed school places for our families. The smiles on the children's faces during my visit say it all."

Headteacher, Liz Hayward welcomed children to the brand new building in the autumn term. She said: “The new building and the playground are lovely. The learning environment is spacious, bright and calm. Teachers can already see a hugely positive impact on the way children learn.”

Parents of pupils that attend the school were also happy and appreciative of the new spacious learning environment, Jullika who has a child in year one said: “I like everything about the building, from the bathrooms to the classrooms. I am happy that my son attends this school, he wants to be here seven days a week. The staff are really polite, no matter the weather they always greet us in the morning with a big smile on their faces making us feel welcomed.”

Romana, another parent said: “I like how spacious it is, I have a four year old and a seven year old son who both attend the school and they always tell me how much they love their new playground”

The assembly also included a collection of songs performed by their choir, a poem read aloud, and pupils telling guests what they liked about their new building.

“My favourite thing about this school is the view from the playground.”- Sachiin

“I like my school because it is a very nice place, the staff are kind and the building is beautiful” – Melissa

“I like my school because it is big and has lots of space.” – Miranda

The new school is part of a number of improvements planned for the Liddell Place area. The next phase of work at Liddell Place will include:

• a new public open space with greenery and seats for people to visit
• a new walking route through to Maygrove Peace park
• new housing, including at least four affordable homes, and
• flexible business workspaces, helping to create jobs and employment opportunities for local people.

Camden Council is also making improvements at Kingsgate Primary Upper School in Kilburn, including an expansion to the school hall and a new dedicated library space.