Thurston Community College near Bury St Edmunds celebrates completion of new block of labs and classrooms

A new school block housing state-of-the-art science labs and modern social sciences classrooms is already an ‘invaluable’ resource for students.

Thurston Community College is celebrating the completion of the new purpose-built Block 7 at its Norton Road site, in Thurston, near Bury St Edmunds.

Construction was completed on the new block just in time for the new academic year and has already become an invaluable resource for students, the school said.

It houses two state-of-the-art science labs and three modern social sciences classrooms.

This expansion, made possible due to funding from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), was approved in November 2022 and will create 150 additional student places as the college’s catchment area continues to increase.

Maria Betts-Davies, director of learning for humanities and social sciences at the college, said: “In over 30 years of teaching this is the first time I have taught in a brand new learning environment.

“It has enhanced our teaching and learning experience, creating a fantastic learning environment for our students. I feel very lucky to have the opportunity of working in Block 7.”

The completion of the new building comes as the college enters its 50th anniversary year.

It was also announced in December 2022 that the college has been included in the School Rebuilding Programme.

Year 6 students and their parents can see the new block first-hand at the Year 6 open evening on Thursday from 6pm.