A Bolton high school has officially opened a new £4.5m extension, improving facilities for existing students while also creating extra places to meet growing demand.
The project, funded by Bolton Council, has created new classrooms and a library space at Ladybridge High School, allowing it to accommodate 150 additional students.
It is part of the council’s ongoing work to increase the number and variety of secondary school places across the borough to meet a projected increase in demand in the years ahead.
The work has meant that more than 95% of applicants have been offered a place at one of their preferred schools in each of the last three years.
Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Cllr Rabiya Jiva, said:
“We want every child in Bolton to thrive and reach their full potential, and a big part of that is providing excellent school facilities close to where families live.
“This extension will mean even more students can benefit from the outstanding teaching and supportive environment at Ladybridge High School.
“We continue our work to expand the number of places across the borough by working with all schools to make the most of existing facilities.”
Headteacher Paddy Russell, said:
“We are delighted with the completion of our new building, which provides a new large library and careers space, along with classrooms for Humanities and Art.
“We are particularly excited about the library space, which will be a mature, university-style learning environment.
“The library will allow for independent study, as well as group work and exhibitions of learning.”
The work was carried out by local employers Seddon, a family-owned construction which aims to ensure all its construction projects also benefit the wider community.
As part of this social value commitment, Seddon provided work placements for young people in Bolton, donated materials to the school farm and sponsored the school’s football shirts.
Matthew Sargeson, Operations Director at Seddon Property Services, said: “Projects like the Ladybridge High School expansion demonstrate how investment in education facilities can create lasting benefits for students, staff, and the wider community in Bolton.
“Delivering work within a live school environment requires careful planning and close collaboration with the school leadership team to ensure construction activity does not impede on the day-to-day learning experience.
“Alongside creating high-quality new spaces for students, we’re proud to have delivered meaningful social value throughout the project, including providing work placements for young people, supporting careers activities and contributing resources that directly enhance opportunities for pupils at the school.”
Mr Russell added:
“The construction project ran extremely smoothly, was completed on schedule and we are delighted with the quality of the final finish.
“Seddon were extremely easy to work with and went above and beyond to deliver on their social value commitments, providing careers sessions for learners, bricklaying courses and financing our new football kits for all year groups.”