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23 June 2011
Last updated at
13:38
In pictures: Penistone Grammar's £35m revamp
One of South Yorkshire's oldest grammar schools has moved into a £35m Advanced Learning Centre. Penistone Grammar School was first founded in 1392 when Thomas Clarel, the absentee of the Lord of Penistone granted a piece of land for a school building.
The original Penistone Grammar School building from 1392 was knocked down in 1893 to accomodate a new build when the school moved to a new site.
The school was free to children in Penistone. Since the school opened in 1392 it has been on two sites in the area, including its present site in Weirfield. Previously it had been based at Kirk Flatt in Penistone until 1893, as shown on the picture.
The Advanced Learning Centre took more than two-years to complete, educating around 1,600 students. Principal, Joanne Higgins said pupils have been "inspired" by the new build. "We know that it will really improve their rates of progress and ultimately their success in life."
A classroom in Penistone Grammar school in 1893, is very different to a classroom in 2011. A current pupil at the school said: "It's a lot more welcoming and it puts a smile on your face. It's just a nicer place to be when you're learning."
Penistone Grammar became one of the first mixed schools in 1907. Previously it had only admitted boys. The grammar school has been a specialist college for business and enterprise since 2003.
After the school moved from its founding building in 1893 it relocated to Weirfield House. The school then commisioned the building of Fulford after pupil numbers grew. Throughout the 1950s, 60s and 70s the school continued to add further buildings to accomodate pupils. The Fulford and Weirfield House has now been sold to developers.
The classrooms built in the 1950s, 60s and 70s were knocked to make way for the new building which was funded by the government's Building Schools For The Future Fund. As part of the £35m build, the school will host a range of community events, open to the public five-days-a-week from 0700 to 2200.
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