ST Keyna Primary School in Keynsham has officially opened its new extension.
The sustainable facility allows the school to expand from a one-form to a two-form entry, doubling its capacity for new pupils and providing much-needed primary school places for the local community.
The new building has been constructed to Passivhaus standards, which represent the gold standard in energy-efficient design.
Powered in part by rooftop solar panels, the facility uses high levels of insulation and airtight construction that require up to 75% less energy for heating and cooling compared to standard new builds. This drastically reduces the school’s carbon footprint and operational costs, while providing a comfortable learning environment with optimal air quality and natural light.
The £5.3m investment by Bath & North East Somerset Council also includes a dipping pond, new outdoor play equipment, a new football pitch and a second pedestrian entrance on Kelston Road.
The project was funded by a grant from the government’s Department for Education and contributions from property developers.
Acting headteacher Richard Eaton said: “We are absolutely thrilled to open our new Passivhaus building, which represents a huge investment in both our children’s future and our environment.
Becoming a two-form-entry school means we can open our doors to more families, while teaching our pupils the importance of sustainability first-hand inside a healthy, eco-friendly environment.
Local dignitaries, governors, staff, and pupils gathered for the ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 3 to celebrate the opening. The event included tours of the solar-powered classrooms, an art display and a performance by the school choir.
Pictured below:
An art display at the school extension’s official opening
The youngest and oldest pupil cutting the ribbon with the vice chair of Bath and North East Somerset Council, Dine Romero
