Derby: Arson-hit school reopens after £8m rebuild

A school destroyed in an arson attack has reopened following an £8m rebuild.

About 350 pupils were forced to relocate after a fire ripped through St Mary's Catholic Voluntary Academy, in Derby, in October 2020.

The site was completely demolished to make way for new classrooms, playgrounds and teaching spaces.

A man was handed a hospital order in September 2022 for several arson attacks on schools and churches including the fire at St Mary's.

The new multimillion-pound primary school, in Broadway, Darley Abbey, welcomed pupils back on Monday.

They had been temporarily taught at three sites in Derby during the interim period.

The new school has been built with a biophilic design as part of a pilot project by the Department for Education.

This means its layout is focused on connecting those inside with nature, with the goal of promoting physical and mental health.

Teacher Bella Atkin said both the children and staff felt "extremely lucky and proud" to have a new school, adding it was a "really special and exciting time ahead".

"We got a hundred new trees that have been planted," she said.

"The landscapers have thought about all the plants and flowers they have incorporated inside the classroom.

"We've got beautiful floor to ceiling windows, so from every angle of the school you can see the beautiful nature.

"There's also so much space outside that we can have our lessons and do our learning outside."

One pupil, 11, said it had been a "really strange" experience being taught at various sites while the new school was being built, while another described the reopening as a "special day".

Executive head teacher Amanda Greaves said it had been a "long and challenging three years".

"This move is a hugely positive and long-awaited milestone," she said.

"This week is very much about letting the children explore the new school and re-establishing routines.

"We are absolutely delighted to be able to give the children this environment where they can access nature and incorporate it into their learning."

She thanked staff for their "loyalty and resilience" to provide education in the "most difficult circumstances".

Ms Greaves added: "We continue to be extremely grateful and humbled by the ongoing support we receive from our parents and carers and we would like to thank them for their patience, understanding and support."

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