IT WAS a proud day for all involved in the building of the long-awaited second primary school for Okehampton when it held an official opening ceremony on Wednesday last week (July 3).

TV presenter Nick Baker and Bishop of Exeter the Rt Reverend Robert Atwell were among special guests at St James Primary School, along with pupils, parents, staff, governors and members of the community.

They joined the design and construction teams and representatives of Okehampton Town Council, Okehampton Hamlets Parish Council, West Devon Borough Council and Devon County Council in celebrating the new school, which opened in its brand new premises after Easter.

The Rt Rev Atwell led prayers for the school and performed the blessing of the school cross which has been handcrafted out of Devon oak by Okehampton community group Men in Sheds.

Naturalist and TV presenter Nick Baker, who lives locally, spoke of the importance of connecting with the environment and praised the school for its environmental ethos and its desire to make the most of its stunning natural environment. He said the traditional Devon hedgerows in the grounds would give lots of opportunities for learning about nature.

The school’s first cohort of reception children played a central role in the ceremony and were led into the hall by construction mascot Ivor Goodsite. They performed a medley of songs, after which they helped head of school Suzie Stevens to cut the specially-commissioned cake.

The Bishop of Exeter said: ‘St James School is at the heart of the new community it seeks to serve. All children need values to live by and the values this church school embodies will provide a new generation with an inspiring foundation on which to build their lives.

‘I look forward to watching it develop into an outstanding school in which every child thrives and reaches their full potential.’

Councillor John Mathews, chair of Devon County Council, said: ‘Okehampton is a growing town and St James will provide much-needed extra primary school places. It has been a real partnership and I am delighted that Devon County Council has been able to play a significant role in helping bring the school to fruition.

‘It is wonderful to see how the whole area has come together in support of the school and make it part of the community.’

Executive head Hazel Fox, who was instrumental in developing the vision for the new school, said: ‘Today is a wonderful celebration of a dream come true.

‘It is fantastic to see the school putting outdoor learning and the environment at the hearts of its curriculum and I know that the children have already benefited from this innovative approach.

‘As we prepare to admit our second cohort and open our nursery, it will be exciting to see more and more children flourish in the school.’

Chair of governors John Searson said: ‘St James has benefited from a huge outpouring of love and support from the whole community.

‘We have been humbled by the many generous contributions of time, practical support, donated equipment and beautiful handcrafted pieces and wish to express our heartfelt thanks and commitment to serving our community by developing a school of which Okehampton and the hamlets can be proud.’

Nigel Whelan, area director for Morgan Sindall Construction, which built the school, said: ‘It’s always a rewarding experience to deliver a transformational project such as the new St James Church of England Primary School, which will help to alleviate the growing demand for primary school places in Okehampton.

‘It was a very proud moment to hand over the school’s new building to staff and pupils and to recognise the lasting impact that this project will have on the local community.

‘We hope everyone is delighted with their new home and the opportunities it will provide for the Okehampton community will ensure that every child is given the best possible start to their education.’