New block will mean Norfolk village school can take 100 more pupils

Astley Primary School is getting some new classrooms and improvments in a new £2 million investment by Norfolk County Council - Head teacher Helen Pegg. Picture: Matthew Usher. (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK 2015)

Norfolk County Council architects have designed the extension for younger pupils at Astley Primary School, between Melton Constable and Briston. Artist's impressions went on show to parents this week.

'It's very exciting for the children,' said head Helen Pegg. 'There will be purpose-built areas for the younger children and it's also going to mean we can increase our capacity. It's massive for the school and massive for the community.'

Astley currently has 207 pupils, from a catchment area which includes Melton Constable, Briston, Hindolveston, Gunthorpe and Hunworth.

Mrs Pegg said the new building would enable numbers to increase to 315.

Astley Primary School is getting some new classrooms and improvments in a new £2 million investment by Norfolk County Council - The mobile classrooms which are being replaced. Picture: Matthew Usher. (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK 2015)

Architect Rob Black, from Norfolk Property Services, said mobile classrooms used for some lessons would be demolished and the existing school building would be used for teaching year groups three to six.

Graham Pickhaver, chairman of governors, said: 'This is just what we need to get rid of the mobiles and allow for expansion. The bigger the school, the more experience the staff bring and the better the experience the children have.'

If planning permission is granted, it is hoped that the new buildings will be ready to open by the end of 2016.

Display boards will be available to view in the school's main hall until the end of the month.

To arrange a viewing, call the school on 01263 860212.

Is your school planning to expand? Email chris.bishop@archant.co.uk.