There was joy and delight at the official opening of Rochester Riverside Church of England Primary on Wednesday 20 March.
Bishop Jonathan Gibbs, the Bishop of Rochester, was joined by two pupils as he blessed the school and cut a ribbon to declare the new building officially open.
The new Church of England primary school has been built as part of a new housing development in the city. Staff and pupils moved into the new school building, which was completed by Countryside Homes and Hyde, in September 2023.
The event was attended by around 250 people, including pupils and teachers, the Deputy Mayor of Medway Cllr Marian Nestorov, Rochester and Strood MP Kelly Tolhurst, Medway Council Portfolio Holder for Education Cllr Tracy Coombs, and representatives from the developers.
Speaking about the occasion, Bishop Jonathan said:
“I am delighted to have opened Rochester Riverside Church of England Primary School. It has been fabulous to see the school’s wonderful facilities and to meet some of the staff, parents and children who are beginning to create a whole new community of learning right in the heart of this historic city, and in an area that used to be a busy commercial district.
“The opening of this new school is a story of transformation and new life in this part of Rochester, and it is marvellous that the Church of England is at the heart of this as part of our commitment to the flourishing of children and young people, and communities right across Medway, Kent, Bromley and Bexley.”
The celebratory event also included the unveiling of a plaque by Bishop Jonathan, and a medal presentation to children by the Deputy Mayor of Medway.
There was also worship, including prayers and songs asking for God's blessing for the school to be a place full of, 'health, holiness, humility, goodness, meekness, gentleness, respect, obedience and gratitude to God the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.'
As the fourth Church school to be opened by the Pilgrim Multi Academy Trust - which runs Rochester Riverside C of E Primary School - Chief Executive Officer, Janet Taylor, said it was a special occasion:
“The new building is a beautiful and unique place for the children of Rochester to learn. A place that is surrounded by the heart of historic Rochester's inspiring buildings; with the cathedral and castle so close by; we even have a Roman wall running through the site itself.
“Situated on the banks of the River Medway but part of a brand new development, the new school and the children attending it can look forward and be part of the exciting future in Rochester – a new community, building a bridge from the past into the future.”
Photo: Civic dignitaries, representatives from the Pilgrim Multi AcademyTrust, and the developers, join medal-winning pupils.
Speaking on behalf of the Diocese of Rochester Board of Education, Director John Constanti, said:
“We are delighted that this new Church of England school serving this new community joins the family of schools within the Pilgrim Multi Academy Trust.
We pay tribute and give thanks for all staff, members, Trustees, and governors that strive to provide the very best for the pupils which they serve”.
The new school is located on Gas House Road within the new Rochester Riverside neighbourhood, which is being built by a joint venture between Countryside Homes and affordable homes provider Hyde, in partnership with Medway Council and Homes England.
Cllr Tracy Coombs, Medway Council Portfolio Holder for Education, said:
“It’s great to see the official opening of this fantastic new primary school building.
Rochester Riverside is our flagship housing development and it is brilliant to see the school come to life from the original plans. We wish all the children who go here the best for the future.”
The Rochester Riverside Regeneration project is planned to ultimately bring 1,400 properties to the 50-acre site. And as well as the new school, there’s a plaza with shops and a hotel and public open space including a river walkway.