Woldgate School has officially opened its state-of-the-art teaching and learning building, welcoming councillors and representatives from local clubs and societies to mark this significant milestone. 

Delivered through the Department for Education’s (DfE) School Re-Building Programme the redevelopment also includes a newly constructed multi-use games area and an upcoming sports hall. The East Riding of Yorkshire Council has also made a significant contribution to the project funding furniture, equipment and facilities which will benefit both the children and wider community. 

The school is part of the Wonder Learning Partnership who together with the DfE and Wates, the lead construction company have worked closely over the last five years to bring the project to fruition. Adele Pinder, Director of Estates for the Wonder Learning Partnership commented, “We have really demonstrated the power of collaboration on this project from design all the way through to the finishing touches. It is a pleasure to be able to share the opening of the new school with our local community and for them to see the amazing learning environment we have created.” 

Guests enjoyed music performed by pupils before touring the impressive three-storey building which features bright modern classrooms with stunning countryside views, cutting-edge science laboratories, technology workshops, a large assembly hall and a fully equipped kitchen. 

Luke Sloman, Headteacher, said, “We can already see the positive impact this new building and excellent facilities is having on both pupils and staff. It is wonderful for the local community that our school now has a building and facilities that reflects the high-quality education and care we provide our pupils and students, and I know the pupils and students are thrilled to use these fantastic facilities.” 

Throughout the development, pupils benefitted from Wates’ Social Value Programme, gaining invaluable learning experiences, while additional investment supported projects across the local community. 

David Wingfield, Managing Director at Wates Construction East, commented: “We are proud to have worked alongside the Wonder Learning Partnership to deliver a facility that has truly reimagined what a learning environment can be. This project reflects our commitment to creating places where people can thrive, and we are confident it will inspire and support students for generations to come. My sincere thanks go to the site team for their exceptional work and to the school for their collaboration and support throughout this journey.” 

Photo Credit: Gareth Buddo, Furmoto Photography 

Photo: Left to right Stephen Garland (Project Manager North School Rebuilding Programmes), Luke Sloman (Headteacher at Woldgate School), Roly Cronshaw (Mayor of Pocklington Town), Tom Chamberlain (Director of Education, Schools and Inclusion), Adele Pinder (Wonder Learning Partnership Director of Estates), Mark Wolverson (Operation Director, Wates), Paul Legard (Project Director Construction Delivery, Education, Yorkshire and Humber Region), Jonathan Britton (CEO Wonder Learning Partnership), Paul Gott (Regional Design Director, Wates), David Wingfield (Managing Director, Wates) Rob Saberton (Senior Project Manager and Construction Lead, Wates)