The finishing touches are being applied to two new North Kensington schools ahead of their grand opening in September.
Youngsters will be moving into Kensington Queensmill, the borough’s first dedicated special school, and Barlby Primary School as planned at the start of the next academic year. The schools have been built next to each other and made possible thanks to a £39 million investment from Kensington and Chelsea Council.
Initially catering for 80 pupils, Kensington Queensmill offers 13 classrooms, soft therapy, wet play and music and art rooms and will significantly cut the travel time for children who previously had to travel out of the borough for suitable schooling.
Barlby Primary’s new home provides 18 classrooms and youngsters will benefit from an art room, library and an orchard teaching facility for children with autistic spectrum conditions.
The schools, which are linked through a shared communal hall and kitchen, will feature a range of outdoor learning and play spaces, including playgrounds, terraces and a multi-use games area.
Barlby Primary School Headteacher Anthony Mannix said:
“We’re delighted with our new facilities here at Barlby Primary School.
“It’s an amazing opportunity for our community and we look forward to welcoming back the children and our families to our wonderful new school in early September.”
