Keynsham’s newest school, Two Rivers CofE Primary, has opened its doors to its first intake of pupils.
The 15 children who have started in the reception class are the first in what will eventually be a school of up to 420 pupils aged four to 11.
The children are beginning their education in purpose-built accommodation on the Wellsway campus and will move in 2022 to the permanent premises being built on the Hygge Park housing development in east Keynsham.
Their current building has classrooms for reception and Year 1, with outdoor space used daily and use of a bigger playground at lunchtime. The classroom is organised with new resources and the children have access to technology to support their learning.
Head of school, Wendy Carver, said it was exciting to open the school at last and to see the children arriving in their new turquoise uniforms.
“The children are absolutely lovely and we feel that they have settled well into their new school and environment, especially in these uncertain times. They are happy, outgoing and independent children,” she said.
“The classroom smells like a new house, with amazing new resources and lots of space. We have such a committed staff team at Two Rivers and are enjoying working together. Thank you to everyone who has supported us.”
Annie Smart, executive headteacher, added, “We are delighted to see our first class of children enjoying their new school and especially all the brand-new resources. Both Mrs Carver and I have been very impressed with the way that the children have settled in to new routines and made some lovely friendships already. We look forward to helping all of the children to flourish as they continue their learning journey with us.”
The school is part of the Wellsway Multi Academy Trust, meaning pupils have access to trust facilities at other schools, such as science experience days at IKB Academy and sports events at Wellsway Sports Centre.
Two Rivers also benefits from the educational expertise and skills within the trust, which has a strong track record in primary school performance.
Andrea Arlidge, the trust’s chief executive, said, “I am delighted to be involved in opening this new primary school for Keynsham. As a trust we have a family of 13 other schools from Bristol to Bath. We are really excited about opening Two Rivers CofE Primary School which is an important development for families in Keynsham.”