New beginnings for Truro school

Bishop Bill blessed the school after the extensive refurbishment work, which included an extension to the original school building.

After the cutting of the ribbon the Bishop attended a special assembly where 197 children aged between five and 11 sang for him and other guests.

The work has cost over £1 million under the PFI Education two scheme, including a new entrance and lobby, new ICT suite and library, an extension to the infant classroom and extensive refurbishment of the original school building.

The school, at Higher Trehaverne, also has a new head teacher, Dianne Jones, who started in January. Mrs Jones said: "I've been given a glorious opportunity and am so excited about the whole prospect of taking St Mary's forward to a bright future. This is the best possible start we could ever have to a New Year."

Mrs Jones replaced Christina Raymond who was with the school for seven years and although sad to be leaving, said she is glad to be leaving the school in excellent shape.

County council lead member of services for Children, Young People and Families, Tony Lello, also welcomed the refurbishment at the school.

"The improvements to the school will be a huge benefit to pupils and staff, well done to everyone involved in making these new facilities a reality," he said.

Chair of Governors at the school, the Reverend David Sayle, said: "The completion of the building work under the PFI scheme at St Mary's Church of England School gives a wonderful platform to encourage and develop the children's opportunities and discoveries in their formative education. Thanks are due to our previous head teacher Mrs Raymond, the staff and Governors at the school for all their hard work."

The work which was carried out on behalf of Cornwall county council and Pyramid Schools (Cornwall) Ltd by Interserve Building Services under the PFI Education 2 scheme, started last January and was completed on time.