Broomhill School bring bus on-board

Broomhill Junior School pupils, Finley Straw, Kian-Ray Gratrix, Nathan Hammond, Bethanyanne South, Mckenzie Stevenson and Dewi Priestley get ready for lessons on their new 'mobile' classroom in the shape of a double decker bus which is to undergo refurbishment into a learning friendly interior.

With the Broomhill Road venue growing in popularity and pupil numbers, a shortage of space has led to the idea of adding extra learning space in the shape of the bus.

“I looked at mobile classrooms to meet the demand for extra space but they were so ugly,” said headteacher Andrew Beckinsale-Yates. “I then came up with the idea of a bus and when I mentioned it to the staff and pupils they became really excited at the prospect.”

The de-commissioned bus has cost £3,000 and will need renovating but the funding for the project has been supported by Network Rail and Murphy’s.

“The bus will be parked up next to the school to make it an extension of the building,” added Mr Beckinsale-Yates. “It will take a few months to get it renovated and ready to use with running water, electricity and computer access but we hope to have it ready for Easter.”

The project will not only be a recycling initiative but local companies are also being employed to transform it.

“The pupils are really excited about the project and can’t wait to climb aboard for their first lesson on the bus.”