Incredible transformation hailed at The Old School Henstead

Pupils and staff at The Old School Henstead. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes) Parents, pupils, staff and governors at The Old School Henstead showed true community spirit as they rallied round over the summer holidays to ensure it could reopen this month with a fully renovated site.

Pupils and staff at The Old School Henstead. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes) Described as "a hidden gem" it is situated in the "heart of the countryside" between Beccles and Lowestoft. 

The strength of feeling associated with the beloved school was epitomised as volunteers, staff, parents, governors and young children all united during the summer break - as they all worked tirelessly to revamp the school grounds.

Pupils and staff at The Old School Henstead. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes) Offering a "uniquely tailored education in a safe, loving and nurturing environment where childhood dreams can thrive," this independent school for boys and girls aged two to 11 is situated on Toad Row in the village.

An aerial image showcases just a part of the vast scale of The Old School Henstead site. Picture: The Old School Henstead (Image: The Old School Henstead)

With the strapline 'Give Your Child A Confident Start' The Old School Henstead was opened by a group of parents in 1979.

The Old School Henstead. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes) Now an educational trust, a registered charity and governed by a fresh board of governors, admissions are now open for the family orientated school that features a thriving nursery and reception through to Year 6.

An aerial image showcases just a part of the vast scale of The Old School Henstead site. Picture: The Old School Henstead

Governors have hailed "the incredible transformation" that the school has undergone over the past few months.

Awards and the school's honours board at The Old School Henstead. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Having been faced with potential financial constraints following the recent announcement that Labour is introducing VAT on private school fees, and needing to "fully renovate the whole school site", a small army responded to the community call.

Scholarships awards showcased at The Old School Henstead. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes) A leaking roof was fixed, overgrown areas were restored, landscaping was introduced to potentially launch a new forest school initiative in the future, while every single classroom was painted along with numerous school facilities.

Newly painted facilities at The Old School Henstead. Picture: The Old School Henstead (Image: The Old School Henstead) With five governors - which now includes three parents - one of the parent-govenors is Hetta Graham, herself a former pupil, who attended The Old School Henstead in the early 1980s.

Children working hard on the revamp at The Old School Henstead. Picture: The Old School Henstead (Image: The Old School Henstead) She said: "It was really tiny back then but it just grew and grew.

Parents working hard on the revamp at The Old School Henstead. Picture: The Old School Henstead (Image: The Old School Henstead) "Up to pre-covid we had upward of 80 pupils."

Revamping the facilities at The Old School Henstead. Picture: The Old School Henstead (Image: The Old School Henstead) Parent-governor Liam Haggar-Pietrzak said: "We lost a few pupils amid the increase in VAT on fees, and with the challenges that every independent school faces we've not got huge finances and resources for repairs.

Newly painted nursery facilities at The Old School Henstead. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes) "We are at around 45 pupils now, and the school buildings needed some TLC - it has been without a bit of love for a while - so a consortium of staff, parents and children came in over the summer holidays and brought the place back to life."

New facilities at The Old School Henstead. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes) Mrs Graham said: "It has undergone quite an incredible transformation and it almost epitomises what the school is all about.

Children celebrating success at The Old School Henstead. Picture: The Old School Henstead (Image: The Old School Henstead) "The children love coming here - they wanted to come back during their holidays to help bring the site up to speed and contribute, as did the staff as well.

After the revamp at The Old School Henstead. Picture: The Old School Henstead (Image: The Old School Henstead)

"We have an incredibly committed teaching team and they have been a huge help with the whole revamp.

An allotment and chickens are looked after at The Old School Henstead. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes) "Without the community we would not have been able to do what has been achieved."

Outdoor learning is highly valued at The Old School Henstead. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes) With a well-rounded curriculum that takes place "inside and outside the classroom", outdoor learning is valued highly, while small class sizes ensure teachers can personalise each child's learning journey.

Outdoor learning is highly valued at The Old School Henstead. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes) And including a "thriving nursery that is set to be open all year round", Mr Haggar-Pietrzak added: "Our doors are open to all at any time, for a free taster session and tour of our amazing school."

The Old School Henstead is holding a bonfire night and fireworks display next month. Picture: The Old School Henstead (Image: The Old School Henstead)

The school is also holding a bonfire night and fireworks display from 6pm on October 18, which is open to all - families, friends and the community. Tickets are available on the school's Facebook page.

A spectacular scene from a previous bonfire night and fireworks display at The Old School Henstead. Picture: The Old School Henstead (Image: The Old School Henstead) To arrange a school or nursery visit please visit The Old School Henstead website or find out more on Facebook. Alternatively give them a call on 01502 741150.