Robert Arkenstall Primary School officially opens new building - Barnes Construction

Staff and pupils at Robert Arkenstall Primary School in Haddenham are now enjoying a new state-of-the-art classroom block, officially opened in May by Charlotte Cane MP.

The development includes three classrooms, a dedicated nurture space with sensory resources, a reading nook, and new staff facilities. Delivered in partnership with Cambridgeshire County Council, the project was managed by Atkins Realis, designed by Saunders Boston Architects, and constructed by Barnes Construction.

The school, which has expanded steadily since relocating to its current site in the 1960s, will increase capacity to 330 pupils from September 2026. The new building has been designed with sustainability and wellbeing in mind, incorporating features such as air source heat pumps, solar PV and enhanced ventilation, alongside acoustically optimised, calm learning environments.

Headteacher Kate Bonney commented: “It’s been incredible to see how quickly staff and pupils have settled in. The calm classrooms and thoughtfully designed spaces are already making a real difference to learning and wellbeing.”

Wayne Fleet, Contracts Manager at Barnes Construction, added: “We’re proud to have delivered this project through close collaboration with the school, client and design team. By working together, we’ve created a high-quality facility that meets the needs of the school community, on time and within budget.”

Further landscaping works will complete the project, helping the new building integrate into the school grounds.