Woodley’s Highwood Primary School expansion

Wokingham Borough Mayor Cllr John Kaiser and headteacher Matt Hickey with pupils in one of the new classrooms

Wokingham Borough Mayor, Cllr John Kaiser, officially opened Wokingham Borough Council’s £3.25m expansion of Highwood Primary School in Woodley.

The improved facilities include a new entrance, increased capacity in the main hall, additional small group teaching spaces, a medical room, and a purpose built learning area for the children attending Highwood’s Developmental Language Delay Unit.

The work overall has increased the school’s capacity from one class to two classes in each year group, as well as doubling its nursery provision. The school is expected to be up to full pupil numbers by 2024.

The 18-month building project, which has transformed both the internal and external look of the school, was completed in phases allowing the school to remain open throughout.

“This is all about making sure local children have enough places at their local school, while also taking the opportunity to refurbish existing facilities to create modern and flexible learning and teaching environments,” said Cllr John Kaiser, Wokingham Borough Mayor, at the official opening.”

Matt Hickey, headteacher, said: “The school’s transformation during the expansion project has been amazing. The children, parents, staff and governors are all extremely proud of our new facilities.

“We look forward to the school filling up over the next few years, so that many more children can benefit from the opportunities we’re able to provide.”