Newlands Primary School officially opens new ‘state-of-the-art’ library

Mrs White (Year 6 teacher) and Newland’s Reading Ambassadors enjoy the new library

Newlands Primary School welcomed a new chapter in its literacy journey with the grand opening of its ‘state-of-the-art’ library on Monday (October 21).

The project was possible due to a generous grant from the Foyle Foundation.

The event, attended by the Mayor of Ramsgate Cllr Pat Moore and The Kemnal Academies Trust’s CEO, Dr Karen Roberts, marks a significant milestone in the school’s mission to promote reading, improve literacy standards and nurture a lifelong love of learning among its pupils.

Mrs Glover (Chair of Governors), Mrs Farbrace (Deputy Headteacher) Mr Bailey (Headteacher), Mr Churchill (TKAT), Dr Roberts (TKAT), Cllr Moore (Mayor of Ramsgate) and pupils from Newlands

In a ceremony filled with excitement, the children proudly displayed their Blue Peter Reading Badges, a symbol of their commitment to reading and learning.

Deputy headteacher Debbie Farbrace said: “We are incredibly proud of our students for earning their Blue Peter badges. It’s a testament to their creativity, hard work and dedication. We encourage all our students to continue exploring their passions, and it’s wonderful to see the children using the library to explore different literature.”

Mrs Georgina Glover (Chair of Governors), Mr David Bailey (Headteacher), Cllr Moore (Mayor of Ramsgate), Dr Karen Roberts (TKAT) cut the ribbon.

Dr Karen Roberts, CEO of The Kemnal Academies Trust (TKAT), added: “We’re thrilled to open this wonderful space where children can immerse themselves in books.

“The positive changes we’re seeing already prove how crucial such resources are for the development of young minds.”

Selected pupils have been appointed as Reading Ambassadors. These students will work to inspire their peers, organise reading-related activities and help maintain the library as a vibrant hub of learning.

Cllr Pat Moore said: “It’s a pleasure to see a community come together to create such a valuable resource. This library will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the students and the broader community.”