A £1m+ building programme at St Faith's Primary School, Winchester, was opened this week by the Bishop of Winchester, the Rt Revd Michael Scott-Joynt.
As a Church of England school, St Faith's governors had to meet 10% of the cost, with the other 90% funded by the DfES. In just over a year, £110,000 has been raised, with only another £5,000 still to be found.
The St Cross PCC provided splendid support, donating £15,000. It has also underwritten the project, with another £25,000 to enable donors' gift aid to come in over four years.
The Victorian and Edwardian parts of the building have been completely refurbished with two new classrooms-bringing the total to four-a new hall, offices for the head and administration, and a staff room. The old hall becomes a library, ICT area and music room
Head, John Preston, welcomed the bishop, governors, parents and members of the community to the ceremony. "Today, you see a whole new school, of which we are very proud."
Mr Preston put on a guided tour of the new building for the bishop, who said: "This is a smashing school." Later, he chatted to the children in Class 3 and their teacher, Jennie Aston.
A service of celebration was held with music and short plays relating to the history of the school. Bishop Michael gave a blessing and pulled down a banner from a cross on the exterior of the building. Finally, he cut a ribbon before the guests enjoyed a special tea.
Architect was David Barnes, of Genesis Design, Romsey, who used a traditional brick and flint design to match the extension, also of his design, which opened in 1997.
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