Lincroft Academy, part of Meridian Trust, has celebrated the official opening of its newly built Oak Block, bringing together students, staff and guests for an evening of presentations and student performances.
After opening to students in the summer, Oak Block provides 23 modern classrooms and breakout spaces, alongside dedicated offices and small group rooms. A spacious Reading and Learning Centre within the building provides students with an environment for independent learning, which opens onto an outdoor terrace for pupils to enjoy.
Students will also benefit from a range of specialist facilities for Design Technology, Food Technology, Art, Graphics, IT and Music. These purpose-built spaces include a kiln, professional-style recording studio and green screen, giving students opportunities to develop their creativity, practical skills and digital expertise.
Guests were welcomed to the Academy last Thursday with live music from students, setting the tone for an evening that celebrated the talent and spirit of the Lincroft community. Throughout the event, students took centre stage, with performances from the Academy’s choir and dancers.
Emma Appadoo, Principal of Lincroft Academy, said: “The opening of Oak Block is a very proud moment for everyone at Lincroft Academy. This fantastic new building has helped transform our school and gives our students the top-quality facilities they deserve.
“It was wonderful to celebrate this milestone with students, staff and guests, and particularly special to see our students play such an important part in the evening. Their performances really captured the talent, confidence and sense of community that make Lincroft such a special place.”
Among those attending the official opening were Richard Fuller, MP for North Bedfordshire; Councillor Jane Walker, Portfolio Holder for Valuing Families: Children’s Services at Bedford Borough Council; Chris Morris, Chief Education Officer at Bedford Borough Council; Mark Woods, CEO of Meridian Trust; and Laura Church, CEO of Bedford Borough Council.
The evening featured presentations from Emma Appadoo, Richard Spencer, Executive Principal of Meridian Trust, Councillor Walker and Chris Morris. Each shared their reflections on the new Oak Block and the positive impacts it will have.
Previously, the academy had faced challenges due to limited space and issues inherited from its history as a middle school. However, following major developments across the site, including a modernised dining hall, activity studio and sensory room, the new Oak Block marks another important step in the Academy’s growth, further enhancing the learning environment for its 1,000 students, staff and the wider school community.
The Oak Block was delivered through a collaborative effort involving colleagues from Meridian Trust, Bedford Borough Council, The M&J Group and Peter Smith Associates Architects.
Emma added: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has played a part in making this development possible. Together with the wider improvements across the Academy, Oak Block is an important investment in Lincroft’s future, and we are excited about what it will mean for generations of students to come.”
Richard Spencer, Executive Principal at Meridian Trust, said: “The investment in Lincroft Academy highlights our commitment to providing high-quality teaching and learning environments where every student has a chance to thrive.
“It has been fantastic to see this vision become a reality and, most importantly, to see students already benefiting from the opportunities this new facility offers.”
