Perryfields Primary in Oldbury unveils extension

A primary school has undergone a major £2.6million refurbishment and expansion and celebrated 60 years since it opened.

Perryfields Primary School in Apsley Road, Oldbury, will double its capacity in the coming years from 210 to 420 pupils.

The project was finished to coincide with the school's diamond anniversary of its official opening in 1957.

Headteacher Terry Jones said: "We are delighted with the end result, not only with the extension but also with the refurbishment of the original building which really has made a huge difference.

"Despite the extension to the building and car park, we have actually increased the outdoor space for the children.

"I continue to be the very proud headteacher of a growing school that has maintained its friendly and welcoming ethos throughout."

The new building that has been added to the existing building includes eight classrooms, group rooms, school offices, a staffroom, a drama and dance studio, and technology room.

It also becomes the main entrance to the school which chiefs said allowed the library are to be extended and used more effectively.

Council bosses said the expansion of the school, rated 'good' by Ofsted, is part of the authority's drive to increase the number of school places available – to meet demand.

The new building was officially opened by Councillor Simon Hackett, cabinet member for children's services.

He said: “Over the past six years, we have created more than 4,400 new primary places.

"Perryfields is a great example of where we've invested to create new primary school places to meet increasing demand.

"We have a great record of giving parents and carers their top choice of school and I want this to continue."