Councillor Jane Jones, Barking and Dagenham Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care and Disabilities, officially opened the newly completed Greatfields Primary School in Barking on 11 October.

This marks the culmination of a decade of planning, development, and regeneration on the former Gascoigne Estate. The school has started with an initial intake of 30 students, and will eventually serve 630 pupils, significantly expanding local educational capacity and meeting the growing demand for high-quality education in the area.

Greatfields Primary is the latest addition to the council’s ambitious vision of providing excellent, accessible schools for local residents. It builds on the success of Greatfields Secondary School, which is rated “Good” by Ofsted. The new primary school is under the leadership of the headteacher from Riverside Primary School, also rated “Good” by Ofsted, ensuring continuity in high standards of teaching, leadership, and overall student experience from day one.

The project has been brought to life through a close partnership between the council, Be First, the Department for Education (DfE), the school’s operator, Partnership for Learning Academy Trust, and the builders, Thames Partnership for Learning (TPfL) and Auburn Group. The DfE and the council funded the building and guided the project overall. Construction of the school was overseen by the council and TPfL and built by Auburn Group, which ensured the facilities were designed and built to the highest standards.

Councillor Elizabeth Kangethe, Cabinet Member for Educational Attainment and School Improvement, said:

“The opening of Greatfields Primary School is a testament to our commitment to delivering first-class education for local children. This school will provide vital opportunities for families in the area, and we are so proud to see our vision of good local schools becoming a reality.

Councillor Jane Jones, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care and Disabilities added:

“Greatfields Primary will play a key role in shaping the futures of countless children, and we look forward to seeing it flourish as a cornerstone of the community.”

This milestone represents more than just the completion of a new school; it reflects the council’s broader mission to enhance education provision and support regeneration efforts in the area. With its modern facilities, dedicated staff, and strategic location, Greatfields Primary is set to become an important resource for local families and an essential part of Barking’s educational landscape.