Sinfin Community School : Derbyshire Building

7 Oct 2008 New Derby school welcomes first pupils Children in Derby have enjoyed their first day at a new school, built to replace a facility on the same site destroyed by fire two years ago. The new £20.5 million Sinfin Community School was designed by Sheffield architects Race Cottam Associates and has transformed the site into a modern, striking showcase school. The 1000-plus pupil school welcomed its first students for the new term after opening on schedule this week. The scheme confirms Race Cottam's growing reputation in the education sector and reflects a strong partnership with the school, which has specialist status in engineering. Head teacher Steve Monks said: "It has been wonderful to see pupils arrive for their first day at school at this exceptional new facility. The blueprints for the school included the very latest thinking in education design and the result is a fantastic facility for teachers and pupils alike. "Working with Race Cottam Associates has made the building of our new school much easier for us. Their innovative ideas, creative problem solving and client centred approach has produced a building that will enhance the achievement of our students for years to come." The school is also believed to be one of the greenest in the region, with environmental features including a bio-mass boiler, wind turbine, grey water recycling, natural ventilation, a large pond and wildlife habitats. Matt Beach, project architect at Race Cottam, said: "Sinfin Community School can now boast a range of best practice ecological features, making it a shining example of sustainable design in education. "The finished school is the result of many months of hard work and is one of many education schemes Race Cottam have delivered from design to completion over the past few years." Race Cottam have also submitted plans to Derby City Council for a second project at the school. The project will convert the school's existing library and science block into a building comprising a vocational skills centre with rooms dedicated for catering and engineering courses. Subject to planning permission, the start of the building work is anticipated to start in November. Sinfin Community School image / information issued on behalf of Race Cottam Associates by HR Media Ltd. 071008