TWO new multi-million pound school buildings have officially opened in Thornbury. 

Castle School has recently unveiled a new sixth form centre and a £10 million maths and science block.

The sixth form has moved from Gloucester Road to a new building - known as the post-16 centre - at the main Park Road site.

It contains a social space for the 300 sixth-form students, along with a mezzanine and three study spaces with IT facilities.

Meanwhile, the maths and science block contains 20 new laboratories and classrooms.

New art and photography suites have also been created in older buildings.

"A significant moment for the school" 

The new £10 million maths and science block at Castle School (Image: Castle School Education Trust)Inside the post-16 centre for sixth-form students at Castle School (Image: Castle School Education Trust)

Three years of construction 

Headteacher Jessica Lobbett said: “This September marks a significant moment for the school - many years of planning, and three years of construction projects, have culminated in these fantastic new facilities. 

“I’ve been so proud at how our students and staff have coped with some temporary facilities during the construction, and we will now be able to move forward with no distractions. 

“The sixth-form students are already telling me how much they value the new areas, and we will be able to accommodate even more students in the future. 

“I’d like to thank South Gloucestershire Council for all their support in making this possible.” 

Both facilities were opened in a special ceremony on September 4. 

Plaque unveiled by (left to right) headteacher Jess Lobbett, CSET chief executive Will Roberts and guest of honour Geoff Barton  (Image: Castle School Education Trust) Staff and guests at the opening (Image: Castle School Education Trust) Staff, students and trustees joined the large team of builders, architects, and surveyors and SGC council representatives to explore the new areas. 

Also in attendance was Castle School Education Trust’s chief executive Will Roberts.

A plaque was unveiled by special guest Geoff Barton, a leading figure in UK education. 

Mr Barton recently stepped down as general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders and is a former headteacher, author and editor of over 100 books. 

He is currently leading a national review for the Oracy Commission - examining the vital skills of speaking and listening in schools across England.

The building project involved two construction companies - Morgan Sindall and Spellar Metcalfe.

The opening comes six years after a BBC documentary highlighted funding issues and repair work faced by Castle School and also Marlwood school.