Pupils from Malcolm Arnold Preparatory School (MAPS) and Academy had a sneak peak of their new school this week (11 July) to see final touches being made inside the building before the doors open in September 2016.
Midlands-based construction firm, G F Tomlinson welcomed 120 children ‘behind the scenes’ to see new classrooms, main hall and learning facilities.
The children and teachers had chance to ask questions about their new school as they watched carpet tiles being laid, walls being painted and kitchen equipment being installed.
Bianca age 6 took part in the tour, she said: “I thought our new school was beautiful. I am excited that we will have new books and our own school library. The new building will help me reach for the moon and learn new things.”
David, age 6, also said: “When we visited months ago, the building was nowhere near finished and I am suite surprised by how quickly it has been built and we have stairs. I like the way the library has got open walls and you will be able to move the bookshelves.”
Marie Lally, Head Teacher for MAPS said: “Last time G F Tomlinson welcomed such a large group of children to site, the building’s foundations were being laid so it’s fantastic for them to see inside the school and the progress that has been made.
“The children have watched the progress from afar and are very excited to get back inside the building to visit their classrooms and see the school now it is very nearly complete. We are really thankful to the G F Tomlinson team for the effort they have put in to involve the children throughout the construction process.
“The teachers have been able to use the visits as a way to talk to thechildren about their ‘dream school’ as well as the safety, careers and curriculum aspects involved and I know the children are
excited about returning after the holidays to see their brand new school totally finished and ready for an exciting future, full of lots of learning.”
Gary Spencer, Project Manager for G F Tomlinson said it had been a pleasure welcoming the pupils from the preparatory school and academy on site.
“It has been wonderful to see the reactions of the children after they have seen the changes in the building since their last visit. This is their final opportunity to see the school before they start using it in September and they were clearly excited to walk around the classrooms learning the layout.
“School engagement is at the heart of successfully delivering projects of this nature. It gives both pupils and teachers an understanding of the work that goes in to building a new school and promotes an awareness of the many different career opportunities in the industry.”
This is one of a number of site visits and tours G F Tomlinson has organised with MAPS, which is part of the David Ross Education Trust, in the last six months.
In addition, the head boy, Ben Steere, an aspiring engineer, has benefited from almost 20 hours of mentoring from the site manager.
Ben who is head boy of MAPS’ sister school, Malcolm Arnold Academy said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed gaining an insight into the construction industry and its intricacies. The experience has taught me the importance of having an acute attention to detail and then communicating concisely.
“It has been an absolute pleasure working with and learning from the site management team, Gary and Beth; they have really helped prepare me for the challenges that a future career in engineering presents. I can’t thank them enough.”
Work on the two-storey building at Trinity Avenue started in September 2015. The project is funded by the Education Funding Agency (EFA) and has been procured under the EFA Regional Framework.
The new school is situated next to Malcolm Arnold Academy and, once complete, will accommodate 420 pupils.
Site Map Accessibilty Privacy Policy Equality and Diversity Policy
Anti Modern Slavery Statement Covid Procedures Carbon Reduction Plan Join Our Mailing List Find Us
Copyright © G F Tomlinson Group Ltd 2026