Local MP Al Pinkerton cuts ribbon at official school opening of Lightwater Village School

Surrey Heath MP Al Pinkerton has cut the ribbon to officially open Lightwater Village School. Today’s celebration saw parents, pupils past and present and staff celebrate the school officially opening and students have been involved in a range of activities related to the opening of the new school. Children sang a new school song, “We’re Proud of our School” and cut the ribbon on their enormous joint school field before a joint playtime with parents and staff. The children celebrated at the end of the day with a visit from an ice cream truck!

The new name was chosen in consultation with parents and teachers to reflect local history. Lightwater Village School was originally the primary school for the village and dates back to 1932. Hammond Junior School was created in 1981 to provide additional capacity. The school will continue to operate on two sites, which will be named Lightwater Village Infant School & Nursery and Lightwater Village Junior School (previously Hammond Junior School).

Francesca Hooker, Headteacher, Lightwater Village School said: “This is a very exciting day for everyone at our school and the culmination of a careful integration of two schools. I’m so delighted that we have been able to maintain continuous and consistent education for all pupils, and I know our families are excited about the journey ahead for the newly merged school. This is a brand-new start and we are all looking forward to a successful new chapter in the history of the community.”

Al Pinkerton, MP for Surrey Heath commented: “ “It was such a pleasure to be asked to cut the ribbon to officially open the newly merged Lightwater Village School. It was so impressive to see the enthusiasm and passion shown by everyone involved in uniting two schools into one. I’m always grateful for the opportunity to visit our schools because one of my key priorities as MP is ensuring the best start in life for all our local children. I’m always inspired by the enthusiasm of staff and families to provide an excellent education; their work means our schools really are the heart of our communities.”

James Nicholson, Interim CEO, GLF Schools said: “It’s wonderful to see the enthusiasm around today’s official opening of Lightwater Village School, which will continue to provide an excellent education for children in the local area. I’m delighted that this union means pupils will still experience a continuous education and an even more seamless transition as they move up the school. As a group of schools, many in Surrey, we are committed to developing the best schools and seeing our communities thrive.”

Both Infant and Junior sites now have new signs, the school has one website and is launching new social media channels. Additionally, there is a new school uniform and one central phone line and a single email address for enquiries.