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All systems go at new Kingswood School
Youngsters collected their new uniforms from the rebuilt Kingswood School as a new era dawned on the £26m development.
Parents of the pupils at the state-of-the-art school in Gainsborough Road were able to pick up the new 'smarter-look' clothing from the site yesterday, and Friday but most were queuing outside in the rain on Thursday – the first day they were available – to have a sneak-peek at the building.
This week the children will have a chance to see inside the new school, complete with a dance studio, performance halls, atrium, modern IT suites and outdoor seating area, when they return as the new term begins.
Headteacher David Tristram said: "I feel privileged to be doing this. I've been a teacher for 36 years and never been so excited at the start of a new term."
The rebuilding project, which has taken a total of five years, received targeted capital funding to the sum of 12m with the local authority footing the remainder of the bill.
Mr Tristram said he had sympathy for other schools where funding had been withdrawn under the controversial Building Schools for the Future scheme.
He added: "I think we have struck lucky when you hear about other people who have been promised a new school but will no longer have one. We really needed it. I think it will be a big lift to everybody and we come back to school with improved exam results."
A new black knitted sweater replaces the former sweatshirts, accompanied, for the first time in the school's history, by a tie.
Parents and pupils were consulted on the change of uniform and came up with ideas for its design.
Parent Michelle Gray, of Hempland Close, Great Oakley, collected her son's uniform yesterday. She said: "My son only started here a year ago and has three tops which still fit him but he can't wear as they've changed it. They have also got a special PE kit which they have got the logo on."
Because of the changes, the school will also be able to accommodate children with autism in smaller classrooms.
The school reopens to years seven, 11 and 12 on Friday with the remaining school years returning on Monday.
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Weather for Kettering
Thursday 09 February 2012
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Temperature: -1 C to 1 C
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