David Ruffley MP Officially Opens Priory School Skills Centre

On Thursday 16 June 18.30, David Ruffley MP will officially open the new Skills Centre at Priory School.

David Ruffley said: 'Having held an annual Priory School 'Question Time' for students since I first became the town's MP, I know about the care and the teaching this school provides. The Head and Governors are passionate about making the school even better and this new Skills Centre is yet another milestone of major achievement.'

The Skills Centre was built as part of the school's original bid for specialist status awarded in 2009 which helps provide opportunities for students to develop skills in practical areas like car valeting, painting and decorating, cycle maintenance and basic cooking. The school has been helped by a number of organisations, businesses, individuals and local partner schools as well as Suffolk County Council Education Department without whose generous support this project would not have been possible.

The Skills Centre has two workshop areas, a large food studies facility as well as a conference room which is already being used by the local community for training courses and meetings. There is car parking next to the Skills Centre.

The Skills Centre will be used by Priory School as well as by students from local schools for Foundation Learning courses. Already we have begun joint training projects in painting and decorating for students with learning difficulties with tutor support from West Suffolk College.

We welcome organisations looking for local facilities for training or meeting space to contact the school.

The Skills Centre was designed by local architect, Tom Stebbing, of John Stebbing Architects and has been designed to be as sustainable as possible. The building is made using sustainable materials with a low carbon footprint. It was built by a local firm, Moore and Stone, who have expertise in building in this way.

Priory School - information

Priory School is a special school, recognised as outstanding by Ofsted, located in Bury St Edmunds with specialism in supporting students with complex learning difficulties. The school was awarded specialist status in 2009 in recognition of their expertise in the use of practical and vocational approaches to teaching and learning which helps develop the students' capabilities and emphasises things they can do which help to prepare them for the world beyond school.

The school works closely with a range of partner schools, West Suffolk College and local businesses to help offer a range of opportunities for students in the West Suffolk area.