A SIGNIFICANT expansion project has allowed a primary school to take on more students.

Loddon Primary School in Earley held a celebration this week after the £3.8m scheme was completed.

An investment by Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) has transformed the school from a two-form to three-form entry.

It has also seen the introduction of new facilities, including three classrooms, an IT area and the refurbishment of existing classrooms.

A ceremony took place at the school on January 29 to mark the opening of the new facilities.

Wokingham Borough Mayor John Kaiser said: “By investing in these primary school expansion schemes, we are able to provide additional school places and improve existing facilities for Wokingham Borough families.

“We were able to provide additional places at Loddon Primary School thanks to partnership working with the whole school community. Loddon remained opened during construction and I am very grateful for the school’s cooperation and patience during this time.

"I hope this expansion will really enhance the children’s learning and the school environment as a whole for the benefit of the school community.”

The work, which started in June 2016 and ended in December 2018.

Headteacher Sarah Phillips, chair of governors John Brady and councillor Kaiser all gave speeches to make the occasion.

The ceremony ended a the choir singing ‘A Million Dreams’ before invited guests enjoyed a tour of the school.

Mrs Phillips said: "Today is a celebration of everyone’s hard work and determination to offer local school places for the children of the community of Earley.

"We would like to thank our partners at WBC and Frankhams & Francis Construction for their vision and commitment in creating our beautiful new hall and additional learning spaces.

"At Loddon Primary we are proud of our values-based ethos and community spirit and through our expanded facilities we look forward to welcoming many more of you into our Loddon family.’’

Other schools have also been expanded, including Beechwood Primary School and Highwood Primary, as part of an overall £8.6m investment from the borough council.