Official opening of Whitburn C of E School

Rt Hon David Miliband, MP for South Shields and Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs with Christine Gilbert, Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Ofsted, have officially opened the new £22m Whitburn C of E School.

Mr Miliband and Christine Gilbert were welcomed to the school by Headteacher Paula Williams and Alex Ferguson, Head Girl and Head Boy, Anthony Corner.  Following a tour of the new school, the leading party joined other guests in the Septimus Hall where they were treated to a stunning ceremony.  Prior to the unveiling of the official opening plaque by Mr Miliband and Christine Gilbert, the invited guests enjoyed renditions by the school choir, soloists, a gymnastic display and the African drumming group. 

The new school, which is the fourth contract undertaken by Miller Construction (UK) Ltd for The Durham Diocesan Board of Education, comprises three storeys and houses the latest in ICT provision.  The school also boasts a dance studio, and fitness suite, multiple sports pitches with a running track, a hard surface multi-use games court and cycle shelters for pupils.

Paula Williams, Headteacher, Whitburn C of E School, said: “We are delighted to have been joined today by Mr Miliband and Christine Gilbert.  We are thrilled with our new school and look forward to continuing to deliver educational excellence in a state-of-the-art facility which represents the very best in 21st century education. Our pupils and staff deserve the best and now we have it.”

Rt Hon David Miliband, MP, said: “It is a pleasure for me to attend the official opening of Whitburn C of E School today.  This truly is an exceptional facility which will benefit the staff and students for years to come.  This new building is a leading example of what can be achieved in the education sector today and will be a valuable asset to this community for many generations.” 

Jeremy Barnett, Operations Manager, Miller Construction, said: “Miller has a wealth of experience in the education sector and we are able to bring that knowledge to each project that we undertake.  Whitburn C of E School is the fourth project that we have undertaken for The Durham Diocesan Board of Education and is an excellent addition to the Board’s portfolio. 

“The official ceremony this morning was wonderful and we were delighted to have been a part of it.”  

Ofsted rated every aspect of Whitburn C of E School as ‘outstanding’ following its recent inspection.

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