ASHTON Keynes C of E Primary School had an extra spring in their step when they went back to school, after successfully raising more than £100k to build a new learning hub.

The mighty challenge of raising £110,000 within 18 months was set as the foundations were built last January.

“It was an ambitious target to meet” said Emma Crawford, one of the members of the core fundraising team.

“If we had also known what was just around the corner, we may have never been brave enough to start!”

Numerous sponsored lockdown challenges, socially distanced events, driveway sales, 24 hour village runs, making, baking, zoom-led fitness classes and pamper evenings were organised.

After a year and with the whole school and community pulling together, the ambitious target was achieved.

The money fully covers the building costs of the hub and has allowed the school to start furnishing the space.

This is not the only new building that Ashton Keynes School has been able to enjoy this year.

Three new key stage one classrooms have also been built, replacing the three temporary mobile classrooms which have been used for 30 years, kindly paid for by Wiltshire Council.

The school has been completely transformed and brought into the 21st century with premises that match the school’s learning performance.

Samantha Saville, headteacher, said:"The new buildings have made return to school this year much smoother, with the extra space being invaluable during Covid times.

“Our school has maintained a high standard of remote learning during the multiple lockdowns, but myself, my team and the children are now thrilled to be all back and enjoying the new facilities!”

But, like every school, there are still many challenges to face.

“One of the most challenging parts this year has been not being able to show people around the school” said Mrs Saville.

“Potential parents and children haven’t been able to look around our amazing school and see the children working in the school environment, meet my lovely team and visualise what it would be like to be part of our community.

"We have created a wonderful video which is on our website and I have been meeting parents over zoom, but it’s made it more difficult.

"As a result, it is looking like we will have a few spaces left in our reception intake for September 2021, which is really unusual.”

“We are really looking forward to the summer term and have lots of exciting things planned for the children."

To see what the fundraising has achieved see their website.