PUPILS at a primary school in Taunton have been given free new uniforms and a PE kit to mark the new start.

Minerva Primary School, formerly known as Halcon Primary, was officially opened by Taunton Deane MP Rebecca Pow.

The school is celebrating the build of a new entrance and nursery and refurbished classrooms. 

The school has been working with The Redstart Learning Partnership since earlier this year. 

The school has since benefited from new leadership, a major refurbishment to the school entrance, reception area and classrooms, a new name and uniform, and the nursery integrated into the school.

Ms Pow was on hand on Friday, September 23 to celebrate the official opening.

Features of the refurbishment include:

• A new entrance to the school from Outer Circle direct into the playground;

• A refurbished reception entrance with improved security and information for families;

• Improved play facilities with all-weather artificial grass;

• A light, bright free flow space for the nursery;

• A modern kitchenette for foundation stage;

• Up-to-date IT equipment in all classrooms and the main hall.

To mark the new start for Minerva Primary School all families have received free uniforms and PE kits: including: blazers, kilts, ties, shirts, trousers in the new school colours blue and gold.

Taunton Deane MP Rebecca Pow said: “This is a hugely exciting time for everyone involved in the launch of the newly branded Minerva Primary School and The Redstart Learning Partnership.

"I am sure that the school has a bright future ahead and I would personally like to wish all the staff and pupils every success for the future.”

Executive principal of The Redstart Learning Partnership Suzanne Flack said: “I’d like to thank everyone who worked so hard last term and through the summer holidays to make the start of the school’s transformation a reality.

“I want the local community to start feeling proud of their new school.

"With support from The Redstart Learning Partnership to bring rapid improvements to not just the look and feel of the school but quality teaching and leadership we can do this.”

Head of school Carly Wilkins said: “Our new start is not just about a new identity, we have extra teaching and learning expertise to help improve the standard of education at Minerva. 

"I look forward to welcoming new families to the school with our open days next term.”

The next steps for Minerva Primary School is to set-up a new community café in the old nursery hut.