Grand opening of new school in Lowestoft

The grand opening of Horizon School was held recently with students, staff and special guests invited.

The pupil referral unit, which teaches children who require alternative provision, is an amalgamation of four other units in north Suffolk and is now able to offer both primary and secondary provision on one site in Lowestoft. It can cater for 102 students.

Councillor Rachel Hood, Cabinet Member for Education, SEND and Skills, said: “It is wonderful to see this new school bursting with life. Students are able to make the most of these exceptional facilities and benefit from inspirational teaching, suited to and targeted at their needs. It has already made an enormous difference to the local community, and I wish staff and students the very best for the future.”

Diane Chester, Interim Headteacher, said: “Our vision is to provide the best education and experience to support every child to achieve their full potential. Our wonderful facilities provide the ideal environment for us to achieve this for the children of north Suffolk and ensure that they are better prepared to be successful in their mainstream school or in the next step of their journey.”

Suffolk County Council received planning permission for the development in February 2022 and work began in July 2022. It opened to students in spring 2023. The school was built by main contractor Barnes Construction and designed by Concertus.

Annett Thompson, Senior Project Manager from Concertus, said: “The official opening celebration at the Horizon School made us all proud. The project had many challenges, but it has been an incredible team effort from everyone involved. The new facilities are a reflection of all the knowledge, hard work and commitment that has gone into this very successful project. We are pleased to be able to see the children enjoying their new space.”

The extension comprised a new stand-alone block, with six new classrooms and a new food technology room, a sensory room, a hall, movement therapy room and a studio.

Horizon School is the result of the merger of Harbour Pupil Referral Unit, The Attic Pupil Referral Unit, First Base Pupil Referral Unit and Old Warren House Pupil Referral Unit.