A FAMILIAR face from TV home design shows popped into North Nibley Primary to see the school’s new classroom.

Architect and TV presenter George Clarke, who has appeared in Channel 4 programmes The Home Show, The Restoration Man and George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces, has moved to Gloucestershire and came along on Saturday to officially open the school’s new ‘break-out space’.

George cut the ribbon and said: “It is just so hard to get anything built, you should all be very proud.”

Head teacher Paul Batchelor explained why the extension was so important.

He said: “North Nibley Primary School may be housed in picturesque 19th century buildings, but there are times when teachers wish they had more room: to allow for the separate teaching of different year groups or one to one pastoral care; to offer privacy for music tuition or parents’ meetings with educational psychologists; or to provide a space where those children who need it most can be supported without distraction.

“So, three years ago, the governors at the school decided that they would raise the money to build a new classroom in the playground.

“Months of planning, consultation and fund raising, by dedicated groups of governors, parents and volunteers, drawing on the generosity of the whole local community and larger, national, grant giving bodies, led eventually to a contract with TG Escapes.

“They have built a warm, attractive and flexible space, big enough to take 15 children but cosy enough for private conversations.

"The added bonus is the spectacular view across the playground to the village playing fields and beyond.”