A Lancaster high school has celebrated the opening of its new £8m building.
Central Lancaster High School's new Ashton Building has taken more than two years to construct and involved the demolition of the old multi-storey building that had housed classrooms for over 30 years.
The Ashton Building boasts English and maths classrooms and a dual aspect library that overlooks the city as well as five state of the art science labs, a computer suite, food technology and design technology workshops.
It was officially opened on October 16 by Helen Bingley OBE, High Sheriff of Lancashire, and Councillor Sam Riches, Assistant Deputy Mayor of Lancaster.
Pupils, staff, members of the Local Governing Body and directors of the Bay Learning Trust were in attendance for the ribbon-cutting.
During the opening, Helen led an assembly with pupils from Years 7 and 8 who listened intently to the High Sheriff and Councillor Riches who explained their roles and responsibilities towards the citizens of Lancaster and how their work supports the local and wider community.
"We are delighted that Helen and Sam could join us today in celebrating a new chapter in the history of our school," said Victoria Crossman, acting head teacher.
"One of our ‘3C’ school values is the value of community so to open our doors to the community we serve, to mark such a prestigious occasion, is a real honour’.
"We are incredibly fortunate to be a member of The Bay Learning Trust who have supported this huge project from the initial bid to completion in July 2024.
"We can now offer pupils a modern, spacious and inspiring learning environment as well as a fantastic library with incredible views across the city, Morecambe Bay and beyond towards the beauty of the Lake District National Park."
Professor John Crewdson, chair of the board of directors at the Bay Learning Trust, said: "This is a very special occasion in the life and development of the school.
"It was a really lovely occasion and I feel privileged to be a part of the proceedings."
The school’s House and Values Captains are looking forward to working closely with Helen on a project supporting the Abaseen Foundation, a charity that supports some of the poorest people in the world who live in rural North West Pakistan.
Central Lancaster High School, one of six schools within the Bay Learning Trust, received Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) money towards the project.
Central Lancaster High School was judged by Ofsted to be good in all areas in September 2023 and will open its doors again for families, members of the local community and the school’s alumni to visit on July 9 2025.
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