FOREST and Sandridge pupils, staff, and parents recently held a farewell party as they prepare to move the school from its current site after 140 years.
The primary school will be run from a new building south of Snarlton Lane as of next term, which will eventually see it capable of having over 400 students. A party and a balloon release was held this month for past and present members of the school.
Deputy headteacher Helen Biles-Wood said, “The day went really well and there were lots of people from the school’s past and present.
“It was a very special day that gave us the opportunity to celebrate Forest & Sandridge’s past but also look forward to the exciting future.
“The school’s history is very important to us and we know it’s important to the local community, which is one reason why we wanted to give everyone an opportunity to come and say goodbye.
“A balloon was released for every decade the school has been opened and bubbles were blown to make wishes for the school.
“There were a number of ex-pupils that came along from as far back as the 1930s, as well as previous staff and headteachers.
“It was very special to see how the school has had a positive impact on the lives of so many, and we hope that as we move to the new school building, we will continue to have such a positive and lasting impact on the lives of the children that come to Forest & Sandridge.”
The current site, which first opened as a school in 1875, is expected to be demolished and used by housing developers.
The new school to the south of Snarlton Lane is expected to include new classrooms and extended sports facilities. There will also be space available for community use in the evenings.
