Withington Girls' complete 10-year development plan

Withington Girls’ School officially opened its extended and completely refurbished dining facilities recently.

It comprises a spectacular multi-purpose function room, dedicated learning support centre and additional office and meeting space and marks the final strand of a 10-year school development plan.

Sarah Haslam, Withington’s Headmistress said: "The end result of this major project is simply outstanding, and we are seeing the immediate benefit of these bright, airy and well-equipped dining facilities for both pupils and staff.

"Our community is again able to gather at breakfast, break and lunch to enjoy one another’s company as well as a wide selection of tasty and nutritious food."

She continued: "We are thrilled that this major project is now complete and thank all in our school community for their patience and understanding during the period of construction and refurbishment."

At the opening event, attended by project partners, school governors and pupil members of the School Council, Mrs Haslam acknowledged the team that delivered the project – architects Cassidy + Ashton, JohnTurner Construction Group and the school’s caterers, Holroyd Howe.

Pupils from across the school have expressed their enthusiasm for the project.

"It’s been really great to be able to have lunch with our friends and chat and relax in between classes," said one Year 11 pupil.

And a Year 4 pupil said: "I like how big it is and the long tables where I can sit with all of my friends."

The upper floor extension provides a spacious multi-purpose function suite with kitchen facilities, which is already being fully utilised, while the learning support centre and additional office space will be in full use in the new academic year.