Media release

Major refurbishment completed

Significant investment totaling nearly £400,000 has transformed classroom environments and improved facilities at Waltham Toll Bar Academy.

The rolling plan of refurbishment has included a modern, purpose-built toilet block with 32 toilets, meaning there are plenty for students to use. 

English classrooms have been modernised and new flooring in the hall has dramatically improved that space.

The work took place over the summer break, with more planned during the October half term.

New Principal Joe Hermiston, who has switched from high-performing Louth Academy - like Waltham Toll Bar, part of Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust - welcomed the £388,000 investment.

It comes as the academy is looking forward to welcoming prospective students and their families at its Year 5 / 6 Open Evening on Thursday, 17^th September, from 5pm.

 “It has been fantastic to see the transformation taking place across the academy over the summer,” Mr Hermiston said.

“Our students notice the improvements immediately when they returned.

“The new toilet facilities represent a major upgrade, while the modernised English classrooms in Block 1 will provide bright, contemporary spaces in which our students can learn and thrive.

“The assembly hall is at the heart of academy life, so its new flooring is another very welcome improvement.

“I’m incredibly excited about the year ahead. These projects demonstrate the investment being made in Waltham Toll bar Academy and our determination to keep improving the experience we provide for every student.

“I know our students and staff will take great pride in these new and improved facilities.”

Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust’s Chief Executive Officer Martin Brown was pleased to see the initial investment programme completed at Waltham Toll Bar.

“This significant investment at Waltham Toll bar Academy demonstrates our commitment to providing students and staff with an environment that matches the high standards and ambitions we have for the school,” Mr Brown said.

“These improvements are about much more than buildings. We want our young people to be proud of their academy and to learn in modern, high-quality surroundings which support them to achieve their very best.

“We will continue to invest in Waltham Toll bar and its facilities as part of our determination to give every student the best possible educational experience.”

The refurbishment follows last month’s improved GCSE outcomes at the New Waltham school.

Numbers achieving a strong grade 5 pass or higher in both English and Maths rose to more than 50%, a 4.6% year-on-year increase.

More than 70% achieved a standard pass (grade 4 or above) in their core subjects.

English saw the numbers of students reaching a grade 5 or above increase to 66% and Maths went up by 4% to 57%. 

In Toll Bar Sixth Form, exceptional A-level results secured students top university places and highly sought after apprenticeships.

A 100% pass rate was achieved by 14 A-level courses and first choice destinations were secured by the vast majority.

* The Academy’s Open Evening takes place between 5pm and 7.30pm on Thursday, 17^th September.