Celebrations all around as construction works to Teddington school completed...eight years later

In 2011 an extensive building programme commenced that not only brought together Stanley Primary School's Infant and Junior classes, but also enabled the school to expand to four forms of entry.

But eight years on, staff and students at the Teddington institution were still waiting. That was until now.

The works were originally scheduled to be completed by 2013. But the project faced numerous issues with external works not being delivered to the required standard.

But construction has now been finished and the replacement builder appointed to complete the rectification works has left the school and all the children are back in their own classrooms.

Ian Dickinson, head of Stanley School, said: “After 8 years of hard work, I am delighted that the buildings at Stanley are now completely finished and will provide an excellent resource for children and families in the local community for many years to come.

"I would like to thank our community of children, parents and neighbours for their patience and understanding during the prolonged work.

"I would also like to pay tribute to the school staff for not only enduring the unavoidable disruptions but for continuing to provide a high-quality education at Stanley.”

Following the completion of the lengthy school works, Stanley Primary School now has a full complement of spaces to facilitate a 4 form entry school with pre-school.

Despite the building disruption, the school has remained strong. Last year, the school received high praise from Ofsted inspectors for their quality of teaching, leadership, early years provision and overall effectiveness. They also won a national award recognising their hard work to support children with special education needs and disabilities.

Cllr Penny Frost, Chair of the Education and Children’s Services Committee for Richmond Council, said: “I have always said that a school is so much more than bricks and mortar. Stanley has proved that this is the case – showing Ofsted improvements and winning prestigious awards.

“However, I am aware that the building work has been tough for the school community. Whilst the Council has worked hard to help and support the school during this period, I know it has been frustrating.

“I would like to say thank you to everyone at Stanley for their stoic attitude towards the development. The staff have at times had to be creative and many pupils have been displaced in temporary classrooms. Throughout this they have been led by Ian Dickinson, who will be sorely missed when he retires later this year, leaving a legacy of a great school, with fantastic new facilities."