Children and staff at Isambard Kingdom Brunel School in Wellington have celebrated the school’s first birthday.

IKB, as it is known, on the Longforth Farm estate, Wellington, opened on November 1, 2020.

Exactly one year later, parents, carers and community members were invited to share refreshments and see a photo montage of the journey of IKB from building site to flourishing school. 

Guests were treated to an afternoon of performances which included singing, storytelling, readings, dance and French, spanning across the children within IKB Bright Sparks Nursery to children in Reception and Year 1 classes at IKB Primary School. 

Wellington Mayor Mark Lithgow also attended and closed the ceremony before all the children were rewarded for their efforts with applause and bespoke IKB cupcakes. 

Headteacher Richard Healey said: “These celebrations were an opportunity to thank everyone who has been involved in the success of IKB to date and to showcase the talents of our wonderful children.

“We have been made to feel so welcome by the Wellington community over this past year and that has certainly helped us to achieve the heights we have.”

The performances were praised by visitors, including nursery and Year 1 parent Georgia Morgan, who said it was a ‘wonderful afternoon full of happy children who clearly thrive on the IKB values’.

She added: “We cannot thank the staff and the children enough for all their efforts today and for always making us feel so included in the school and the children’s educational journey.”

Governor and Year 1 parent Philippa Small said: “It was such a lovely afternoon. Thank you so much once again for going above and beyond expectations to create such wonderful memories.”

Mr Healey added: “We are now looking forward to continuing our growth and welcoming more children and families into our IKB community.”