Bedford’s newest school offers a “vision of inclusion and excellence,” after the Mayor of Bedford Borough was shown around Rivertree Free School.
The Kempston school, which caters to children with both SEND and physical disabilities, hosted Mayor Tom Wootton and Councillor Jane Walker, Portfolio Holder for Valuing Families: Children’s Services on Thursday, following its official opening earlier this year.
And Mayor Tom did not hold back with his praise for the facilities, the dedication of staff, and the warm welcome he received from children.
“It fills me with pride to be here today, at what is set to become one of the largest SEND schools in the country,” said Mayor Tom. “In time there will 200 students here, all the way from two years old to 19.
“Offering the best possible opportunities to all our young people is a cause that is very close to my heart. And I believe that the people of Bedford Borough will cherish this school for decades to come.”
The school in Hillgrounds Road is built on the former grounds of Robert Bruce Middle School, which taught Kempston children for almost 100 years after first opening as Kempston Senior Mixed School.
Before that the site had been home to Bedford Road Council Girls' School, and when former Robert Bruce headteacher Frank McMahon visited the building work in 2023 he described it as being the new chapter – “a phoenix from the ashes, which is going to be a fantastic facility”.
Councillor Walker echoed his words, saying; “So much hard work has gone into making Rivertree a reality.
“There is a real vision for inclusion and excellence here, which is something we want for all of our young people.”