Students at Bedford Greenacre Independent School opened their new site at Manton Heights, Bedford, this week, marking a new chapter in the school, which has moved away from the “outdated urban Victorian buildings” they have called home for a century.
The new brand-new £24 million state-of-the-art facility opened on 7 January (Monday) after a “challenging journey spanning 10 years”, which included planning appeals, the increase in building costs, the cost of living crisis and governmental budgetary policies.
Building work finally began just under a year ago in January 2024, with a groundbreaking ceremony held by students, staff and trustees of the school.
Read: Breaking ground ceremony takes place at Bedford Greenacre’s new school site
Principal at the school, Ian Daniel said: “Despite these hurdles, the school community has remained resilient, and there is an overwhelming sense of excitement and anticipation at the long-awaited opening.
“The new facilities will provide an inspiring and modern learning environment that will benefit generations of students to come whilst also being environmentally friendlier in terms of energy.”
Bedford Greenacre Independent School was formed in May 2021 by the merger of Rushmoor School and St Andrew’s School, both of which provided education to children in Bedfordshire for over a century.
The school’s merger has been credited with ensuring their survival, with Mr Daniel saying they would not have been “financially viable in the current climate”.
But he adds that by merging, they have been able to “overcome adversity and provide a wonderful teaching and learning environment for their pupils now and for years to come.”
He also spoke of the plans to make sure their new facility will be “enjoyed by the wider Bedford community too.”
“This is a story of perseverance and achievement that should resonate with many families and communities who value the contribution that independent schools provide to the economy, their pupils and the wider community.
“Indeed, Bedford Greenacre has always planned to allow their facilities to be used by the wider community and those plans remain,” he said.
The school has also addressed concerns about traffic in the area following the departure of a lot of parents at the same time an open day, but Mr Daniel says this will be an isolated incident, and their planning conditions include guidance on school travel arrangements.
“The opening day meant all parents departing the site at the same time, which did impact traffic. The school has immediately issued further instructions to parents to help alleviate problems and is monitoring the situation.
“Next week, when clubs start, traffic will ease as the timings will be far more staggered. It is a learning curve, and the school is happy to work with our neighbours and the council to try to manage any traffic issues in future.”
