Excitement filled the air as Bracken Lane Primary Academy, part of Diverse Academies Trust, officially unveiled its newly remodelled and extended building on Monday 2 March 2026.
Staff, pupils, and invited guests gathered to mark the completion of a phased building extension. The project delivered two new classrooms alongside extensive alterations and refurbishment of existing teaching areas to ensure sufficient, high-quality space for pupils.
This transformation forms part of an investment funded by £800,000 of Section 106 contributions via Nottinghamshire County Council, alongside a £1.2 million investment from Diverse Academies Trust, reflecting a shared commitment to meeting growing demand for school places and providing high quality learning environments for the local community.
The academy now benefits from a new extension housing year 5 and year 6 classrooms, enlarged spaces for years 3 and 4, and remodelled areas for early years and key stage 1 children, complete with new toilet facilities. Further improvements include an extended school hall, a dedicated library space and a range of additional enhancements that create an outstanding environment for children and staff.
Pupils played a central role in the official opening event, with guests treated to a confident performance from the academy’s young voices choir before being guided on tours of the remodelled building led proudly by the children themselves.
Principal, Helen Cawkill, said: “It has been a fantastic day at the academy and a wonderful opportunity to showcase our new learning environment. With this expansion, we are not simply adding space, we are creating dynamic environments that inspire learning and foster a strong sense of community.”
Executive Principal, Lucy Spacey, added: “The transformational impact of these renovations cannot be overstated. We have not only increased our learning spaces but also created a more inclusive and accessible environment for every member of our academy community.”
Diverse Academies Trust Chief Executive Officer, David Cotton, commented: “This investment demonstrates our long-term commitment to providing exceptional learning environments for the children and families we serve. By working in partnership with local authorities and through responsible use of Section 106 funding, we are ensuring that Bracken Lane Primary Academy continues to grow, improve and deliver high quality education for our community.”
Bracken Lane Primary Academy is an Ofsted-rated ‘good’ academy. As it continues to build on this strong foundation, the recent improvements demonstrate a clear and ongoing commitment to delivering the highest quality education and an exceptional learning environment for every child.