Sunny Bank Primary School celebrated the Grand Opening of its new school buildings on 17^th November 2022 and the feedback from guests clearly demonstrates the strength of the school and the positive transformation of Sunny Bank Primary School since joining the Island Learning Trust.

Following the event, Cllr James Hall posted on Murston Matters Facebook group: “Over the years I have been involved with Sunnybank School there have been difficult times but the staff have always worked tirelessly …the trustees and Mr Allen have put this school into a place it has never been to before, they have done an excellent job and I know the children are in good hands and will benefit from their education here.”

It was a memorable occasion for the children, staff and the whole community. The ceremony started with guest speakers and concluded with brilliant speeches from the Head Boy and Head Girl Amelia and Oliver. Everybody had a really fabulous day and proudly showcased Sunny Bank Primary; both in its fantastic new build, engaging library and its obvious desire for the children to learn and thrive in all aspects of school life.

Throughout the day, parents, staff, children and guests collaborated in creating an art installation to celebrate the grand opening and enjoyed tours of the brand new school by the school parliament and head boy and girl Amelia and Oliver.

Ryan Driver Deputy CEO of The Island Learning Trust messaged staff to say: “The school has really changed for the better…the tour guides were amazing and all the guests could see that the school has turned around.”

Everyone that attended, said what a brilliant day it was and how impeccable all the children were. In an email to the Head, Patricia Hatt (former Head teacher at Sunny Bank) said: “It was lovely to come back and be part of an exciting new chapter in the school's history. The children were a delight.”

“It is our mission at Sunny Bank that every staff member, parent, governor and child are consistently the best that they can be and this is reflecting in the success of the grand opening and the school every day. It really is a great school, a great place for our children to learn and to develop and grow.”  Mr Allen, Head of Sunny Bank School.

The event attracted a high turnout of special guests and it was attended by: Simon Clarke, Major of Swale who officially opened the new building, MP Gordon Henderson MP, Councillor James Hall, Area Education Officer, Marisa White, Executive Principal of Meadowfield School Jill Palmer, Vicar of Bapchild ‘St Laurence Church,’ Simon Young, 3 former head teachers of Sunny Bank Primary School - Maggie Laming, Maggie Cook and Patricia Hatt and other senior leaders, governors, members of Trust staff and Sunny Bank parents.

A gallery of pictures from our Official Opening Ceremony can be seen HERE