ONE of the county’s first primary schools to change over to the new two-tier education system has celebrated the opening of its �500,000 building extension.

Despite working to a tight schedule through one of the wettest summers on record, work on three new classrooms at Acton Primary School near Sudbury finished on budget and in time for the new term.

County council officials, who attended the official unveiling yesterday morning, hailed the project a success. Headteacher Julie O’Neill said: “We have all been quite apprehensive about changing over to the new system and we have worked really hard to make sure we have the facilities and the staff to cope. We are delighted to have been able to open on time with three extra classrooms, a remodelled resources area, changing rooms and toilets.

“The school has always been an important part of the local community and the extended building will set the foundations for future generations.”

Year five students will study at the school for the first time this term, with year six joining from September 2013. Around 130 students currently attend but the extra classrooms will increase the capacity to 210 pupils.

Former headteacher, Diana Bonner, persuaded the county council to extend the original 1980s building instead of providing two temporary classrooms in the school grounds.

Builders Alan Rolfe and Jamie Kirke, of Cocksedge Building Contractors, were nominated by the students to cut the ribbon.

Mrs O’Neill said: “They have worked with the children since February teaching them about what they are doing.

The whole project has been a great example of all parties involved pulling together.”