It was a big day down at Barking Abbey School on Saturday 12 October as they welcomed back former students to officially open their brand-new school building.

The new school block on Longridge Road, Barking includes two new design and technology rooms, two art rooms, five science labs, nine teaching rooms as well as staff facilities which allow the school to teach Key Stage 3 and 4 on both school sites.

The school also increased the size of the gym by building a brand-new sports facility to meet the needs of the students. 

Jo Tupman, Headteacher of Barking Abbey School, said: "We were proud to welcome back so many former students and employees to our reunion event which also marked the official opening of our new facilities at Longbridge Road campus. 

“Around 200 people enjoyed returning to Barking Abbey to tour the impressive new facilities alongside our current students and it was fantastic to see current and former students exchanging so many Barking Abbey stories about their school. 

“Thank you to everyone who supported the event and made it such a special and enjoyable occasion."

A great number of students returned to the school to meet up with old friends and class mates.  They were able to see the brand new facilities that also include a revamp of the old school building with existing classrooms converted into two new ICT suites, music room, library with mezzanine and an ARP facility to support students with autism. A new main reception area has also been created.

After the event, Councillor Evelyn Carpenter, Cabinet Member for Educational Attainment and School Improvement, said: “This was a wonderful event. It was good to talk with former and current pupils of Barking Abbey and hear about their school experiences.

“The new facilities are impressive and I am sure that students will thrive in this state of the art learning environment. The investment in the new buildings is a measure of our commitment to meeting the demand for secondary school places in Barking and Dagenham.”  

Nine in ten schools in Barking and Dagenham are rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’. #

For full photos of the day, head here  bit.ly/31iWcOd