Isle of Ely Primary School welcomes its first-ever batch of pupils

The Isle of Ely Primary School’s first ever batch of pupils are settling into school life in their temporary home in the grounds of St Mary’s School.

But their new portable classrooms are a far cry from the dingy demountables of years gone by, with state-of-the-art facilities to rival any new build.

The school opened its doors for the first time in September in response to a surge in demand for primary school places in Ely.

It was supposed to begin life with just one class but a higher-than-expected intake of more than 40 pupils has meant there are already two reception classes, who share a portable building in the grounds of St Mary’s, in High Barns.

The school is managed by the Active Learning Trust, which is the sponsor of Chesterton Primary School and Neale Wade Secondary School, in March.

Bryony Surtees is head teacher of Chesterton and Isle of Ely Primary schools.

A spokesman for the Active Learning Trust said: “Bryony and the Active Learning Trust have been heavily involved with the planning and development of the temporary accommodation, which the school moved into in early September, ready for the new school term.

“The building has been specifically designed to be fit for the purpose of delivering inspiring teaching, having all the resources and mod-cons that a primary school would benefit from.

“Bryony hopes that the school will take on a community feel, and truly be at the heart of the local area.”

Ms Surtees added: “I want to say a big thank you to our parents who have been incredibly supportive since we opened and have helped make these first few weeks run smoothly.”

Ms Surtees added that she was confident the Isle of Ely’s new, purpose-built school would be ready in time for September 2015, to welcome their second new intake.