Newport school gets a special visit from the Department for Children, Schools and Families

NEWPORT Free Grammar School received special praise after a state visit. The school had an official visit last Friday from the Permanent Secretary at the Department for Children, Schools and Families, David Bell. During his visit, Mr Bell, alongside the c

NEWPORT Free Grammar School received special praise after a state visit.

The school had an official visit last Friday from the Permanent Secretary at the Department for Children, Schools and Families, David Bell.

During his visit, Mr Bell, alongside the chief inspector of schools in England and chief executive of Bedfordshire County Council, officially opened the extension to the school's sports hall.

Mr Bell, who chairs a committee encouraging civil servants to participate in sport, remarked that Newport Free Grammar School is a "highly successful school with notable achievements in sport". In the evening he was the guest at prize giving where he praised the achievements of all the winners and congratulated students, teachers and parents for their hard work.

Headteacher Sean O'Hagan said: "We are glad that Mr Bell was able to see all the great things that are happening at Newport Free Grammar School and to recognise the achievements of staff and pupils.

"After very impressive results in the summer and with these new facilities, we are confident that the school will continue to go from strength to strength."

The extension to the sports hall, which was completed on time and on budget, adds to the school's sporting provision. It provides new classroom and changing room facilities and enjoys an outlook over the playing fields.

It is the latest in a continuing series of building works in the school, which has also seen new classrooms, computer rooms, sixth form study facilities and science laboratories being put in over the summer.

The next big project is the new block for Special Educational Needs, which is due to be finished in the New Year.