AN Oldbury primary school has undergone a major £2.6million refurbishment and expansion which is expected to double its capacity.

Perryfields Primary School, in Apsley Road, will now be able to welcome 420 pupils through its doors over the coming years.

The new building and refurbishment project has finished to coincide with the school's diamond anniversary of its official opening in 1957 by Alderman B T Robbins.

The school first opened to children 61 years ago, on September 5, 1956 and to coincide with the anniversary, a ceremony to open the new building took place last week by Councillor Simon Hackett, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for children’s services.

Special guests, including councillors, ex-pupils, staff and headteachers, came along to the event to celebrate, while visitors were treated to a special assembly where pupils Emer and Alfie gave a speech and cut the ribbon.

Ex-pupil Sylvia Allen, who took part in the celebrations, started at the school when it was officially opened in 1957. She said: “I loved seeing my old school and am really impressed with the new building.

“I can't quite remember the official opening but I do have fond memories of Perryfields primary. Over the years I've had a strong connection with the school and now my great niece is a pupil there.”

The new building includes eight classrooms, group rooms, school offices, a staffroom and a drama/dance studio and technology room. It also becomes the main entrance to the school which has enabled the library area to be extended.

The expansion of the school, which was rated 'good' by Ofsted at its latest inspection, is part of Sandwell Council’s drive to increase the number of school places available in the area to meet demand.

Cllr Hackett said: “Over the past six years, we have created more than 4,400 new primary places.

“Perryfields is a great example of where we've invested to create new primary school places to meet increasing demand. We have a great record of giving parents and carers their top choice of school and I want this to continue.”

Headteacher Terry Jones added: “We are delighted with the end result, not only with the extension but also with the refurbishment of the original building which really has made a huge difference.

“Despite the extension to the building and car park, we have actually increased the outdoor space for the children.

“I continue to be the very proud headteacher of a growing school that has maintained its friendly and welcoming ethos throughout.”