As the end of the academic year draws near, news has been announced that phase one of the multi-million pound refurbishment programme at Marlwood School in Alveston, South Gloucestershire, has been completed on schedule and students are already making the most of the new bespoke design technology (DT) facilities. 

Heidi Freeman, a DT teacher at Marlwood, said: “I just love the new rooms. The students are so excited to be in this modern space with so many great features – new equipment, plug sockets that pull down from the ceiling, cubby holes to store their bags and also our amazing new interactive whiteboards. There is just such a buzz about it all.”

Year 7 students Scarlett and Madison both agreed that the new rooms were “really modern and bright.”  

Scarlett said: “It’s much nicer to work in such a clean and big environment.” 

And Madison added: “In the old rooms, the tables were really scratched and it felt crowded. This is so much better.”

The investment at Marlwood, being overseen by new headteacher Seema Purewal, will include new classrooms for art, design technology and science.

Ms Purewal said: “Completing phase one on time has been a fantastic checkpoint and seeing our students and staff making the most of these new rooms is great.

“Our students have a huge sense of pride that these facilities are a real investment in their education and learning.

“We are grateful to our students, their families, staff and local residents who are being so understanding of any disruption caused by the ongoing building works. We have tried to keep this to a minimum through some very thorough planning.

“The next phase will be completed over the summer, ready to welcome Marlwood’s 50th year group through the school doors for a very special year. It is a very exciting time for the Marlwood community.”

The project forms part of an £18.1m refurbishment of The Castle School and Marlwood School which is jointly funded by the Castle School Education Trust (CSET) and South Gloucestershire Council.

Marlwood School is part of CSET which offers high quality education across the primary, secondary and sixth form key stages at seven South Gloucestershire schools. The school benefits from expansive grounds including tennis courts, astro pitch and a multi-purpose playing field which is all available for use or hire by the local community.

For more information about Marlwood School visit www.marlwood.com and for CSET visit www.cset.co.uk