Re-vamp could put pupils back in shut school

Published on 12th October 2006 in News

Plans are being discussed to transfer pupils from Vermuyden School to the empty former Pasture Primary School building while major renovation work is undertaken at the senior school.

It was announced last year that Vermuyden School is to be given a £15 million face-lift but it has been revealed this week that while this transformation is taking place some pupils could be moved temporarily to Pasture Primary School.

Pasture Primary School was closed down by the East Riding of Yorkshire Council at the end of July this year. Its pupils have now been dispersed throughout other primary schools in the town.

Vermuyden's traditional school frontage, mostly dating from 1909, will remain but the rear section of the school building will be demolished, making way for new classrooms and improved facilities.

The school will see the back part of the school totally rebuilt and the listed building at the front having a major refurbishment to its interior. Also, new facilities for sport, science, technology, languages and music will be incorporated into the new development.

A spokesperson from the East Riding of Yorkshire Council this week told the Goole Times: "A builder has only just been appointed for the work at Vermuyden School.

"The decision as to whether pupils from Vermuyden School will be temporarily taught at the former Pasture Primary School site is several months away. This decision will be made by the project board, which is made up of people including East Riding of Yorkshire Council officers, education officers and the school's head teacher.

Switch a last resort option

"Every effort will be made to avoid teaching pupils from Vermuyden School at the Pasture Primary School site. We are currently looking at all available options but it is a possibility that this will happen."