A Primary school closed its old doors for the last time, and true to the saying, another door swung open – on its new building.

Seascale School has benefitted from funding by the Department of Education, Tesco and the Co-op Local Community Fund to create its “lovely new building”, and after five years the old building has closed, with the new build welcoming pupils and staff in from last month.

To say their goodbyes, Year 1 children wrote a farewell poem, with Rowan Class creating a song of memories and thanks to the structure.

And after an emotional assembly to close the school, children and staff are “settling in quickly” and headteacher Avril Spencer is delighted.

“It’s been a long journey and process, so it’s exciting to finally be in our new building,” she said.

“The old one had been so well-loved that we were definitely in need of a new learning space and it’s got such a lovely atmosphere and buzz – it’s just fantastic.”

After completing phase one of the project, Seascale School will now move on to “phase two” – knocking down the old school to make way for an impressive and unique outdoor learning area for the youngsters.

The Co-op Local Community Fund has donated £10,000 for a gazebo, which will be installed once the work is complete “hopefully by the end of the school year”.

In addition to external support, the school has raised almost £3,000 by selling their old equipment and resources, providing much-needed funds for their new facilities, and are also thrilled to open their hall back up for community use.

“Groups can use the hall again, which is great because the more funding we get, the better it is for our children and their learning,” the headteacher added.

She added: “We’d of course like to thank Tesco for funding resources, Department of Education for building it, Friends of Seascale School for fundraising, Cumbria County Council, and anyone else who has helped us in any way!”