A MUCH-NEEDED £1.1 million expansion plan at one of Taunton's primary schools is complete, to the delight of families. 

Somerset County Council has carried out the upgrade, which sees four new classrooms and 120 additional school places at Holway Park Community Primary School.

The scheme was completed in time for the new school year. 

The authority’s investment is in light of the steady increase in numbers on roll in the Holway Park catchment area, and the need to meet the demands of this growing community.

Built as an extension to the main school building, each classroom has its own cloakroom and storage space.

There is also a new group room for individual tuition work, new boilers, additional pupil toilets and an access toilet.

The design and construction of the new school ‘wing’ has been carried out by Shaylor Group Plc.

A woodland area for children to enjoy forest school activities on the grounds has also been reinstated as part of the project.

The low carbon design, created to be in-keeping with the existing school building as far as possible, has been delivered by architectural consultancy Faithful & Gould.

Susan Brewer, head teacher at Holway Park, said: “This is a very exciting time for Holway Park Community Primary School, the impressive looking building fits very well within its surroundings.

"The design has provided an additional four classrooms and small group teaching area that will further enhance our great environment to teach and learn.

"Staff, pupils and parents are all very excited to be working in such a light and welcoming environment, and we are very grateful to Somerset County Council for this opportunity.

“Once the landscaping phase has been completed our copse will have been restored to an awesome world of trees, shrubs and nature pathways, which with the addition of a new amphitheatre will further enhance opportunities for outside learning.”

Cllr Frances Nicholson, cabinet member for Children and Families at Somerset County Council said: “We are delighted that we have been able to commit to this essential work for Holway Park Community Primary.

“In recent years we have seen an increase in the birthrate, which, along with the proposed new housing in this school’s catchment area, means we are going to be seeing a rising demand for pupil places for the foreseeable future.

“The work to expand the school means it has now been extended from 10 classrooms to 14, benefiting families, pupils and staff for years to come.”