Smiles at primary school in Rugby as new play area unveiled
A new all-weather outdoor play area has been unveiled at a school in Hillmorton.
English Martyrs has installed exciting playground equipment, improving its extensive field area and adding a brand new library this term.
Parents will benefit from the newly-extended wraparound childcare options now available from 7.30am-6pm.
The school is holding an open day for parents of children due to start reception in September 2027.
Tours and talks from the head at the one-form entry school will be held on Saturday, October 3, from 9.30am-11am. It’s being held on a weekend in order to help working parents attend and minimise disruption to children’s weekday routines.
Rebekah Jones, head, said: “Our school prides itself on providing a Catholic education for all. And our expansion has allowed us to grow in multiple key areas to give children a well-rounded learning experience in a family-feel, inclusive environment.
"We’re thrilled to report this year, at the national Year 1 Phonics Check, our children achieved 94%, compared to a national average of 81% and our continued investment in teaching and facilities will help protect and improve upon our fantastic results.”
English Martyrs has recently joined a newly formed multi-academy trust, whose members include the school’s previous trust along with other Catholic primary and secondary schools in Warwickshire and Worcestershire including Rugby sister school, St Marie’s Primary School.
Rebekah added: “I’m very pleased we’ve joined St Raphael the Archangel Catholic Multi-Academy Trust as it’s been designed to deliver positive benefits for all pupils by strengthening collaboration, widening access to expertise and creating more opportunities across schools, while keeping each child’s experience at the centre of all decisions.
"But it’s important to me personally, alongside our current staff and students, that we won’t lose our school’s special identity and will proudly continue to be a small and welcoming place to learn which provides a strong start to education.”
She said prospective and current parents alike will be pleased to hear the trust will unlock even more enhanced and shared resources and facilities between school partners with a special focus on teaching and learning, curriculum development, SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) provision and extra curricular activities such as sports and competitions allowing all children to thrive.