Chester's newest primary school building came under the international spotlight when a group of politicians and education experts from Finland visited Chester Blue Coat CE Primary School as part of a fact-finding mission to the UK.
The mayor of Finland’s second largest city, Espo, was accompanied by around 30 colleagues, educationalists and representatives from the building industry to view the timber-built school which was completed last year.
The visitors were welcomed by headteacher Vince O’Brien and chair of governors Christine Russell, and were then taken on tours of the building and play area by staff, governors and pupils from Year 5 and 6.
The city of Espo is renowned for high quality education and is planning to build several new schools to serve its pupils. Chester Blue Coat’s eco-friendly timber construction and flexible, light and spacious interior is seen as a notable example of modern school building which the Finns hope to emulate.
Architects Chris Warburton and Sarah Pegg of Chester firm Tweed, Nuttall, Warburton, who designed the school, were also on hand to answer questions and show the visitors around.
Mr O’Brien said: “It’s really flattering that our school is attracting international interest. We have a fabulous building which is flooded with natural light and the latest eco-friendly technology which combine to help make it a great place for children to learn.”
