Wigan’s newest school is set to open its doors for the very first time Wednesday (1st November).
The £5million Platt Bridge Community School will welcome over 300 eager young children from the newly-merged Low Hall and St Nathaniel's primary schools nearby.
Platt Bridge Community SchooI has been described by Cllr Brian Wilson, Wigan Council’s Cabinet member for Children and Young People, as “a pioneering development” in local education. Funded jointly by the council and the Department for Education and Skills (DfES), it’s the borough’s first purpose built ‘extended school’ - home also to a public library, a children's centre and a family support centre.
Cllr Wilson says:
“This is a magical moment for everybody connected with the school – pupils and staff, parents and governors – and we wish them all the very best for what promises to be an exciting future.
“With housing health services to follow on site, the whole complex epitomises everything the council stands for – helping people reach their full potential, building strong communities and making Wigan a borough we can all be proud of.”
Headteacher of the new school will be Susan Darbyshire, previously head at Our Lady's in Aspull; her deputy will be Lavern Shelford from Legh Vale Primary School in Haydock and Ann Howard from Low Hall in Platt Bridge has been appointed as assistant headteacher.
The school will have a formal opening early in the New Year.
The wider complex, including the forthcoming housing office and health centre, will be known as Platt Bridge Community First, representing a total investment of £13million.
Note to editors
- Contacts for further information/comment:
- Susan Darbyshire, Headteacher - 01942 487999.
- Cllr Brian Wilson, 01942 736208.
- Platt Bridge's 'one-stop shop' features:
- Primary school for over 300 pupils;
- SureStart children's centre, with 'wrap-around' nursery, and full day care and baby unit;
- Family support centre, with assessment areas for family and child welfare;
- Dedicated children's library, operated jointly by the school and Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust;
- Public library and information centre; and
- Community health centre, including GPs surgeries, pharmacy and a wide variety of health services.
