The start of construction of a new eco-school in Ashton has been marked by the laying of a time capsule on school grounds.
Byrchall High School, in Wigan, is preparing to open a brand new self-sustainable school in Autumn 2024. Students and staff have expressed their excitement about working in the state-of-the-art classrooms, labs, sports venues and studio spaces.
Both the school and builders, BAM Construction, hope this will together create an unrivalled learning environment fit for every student in our diverse and welcoming community.
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When the new site opens it will boast outdoor cinema spaces, a science and technology ‘learning environment’ and multi-use sports facilities. The 1960s site in Ashton was one of four schools in Wigan that received a portion of the Department for Education’s £1bn ‘School Rebuilding Programme’.
(Image: Kevin Hayden Photography)
Last week, students past and present joined with members of the local community to lay a time capsule that records and celebrates the unique history of the school. Achieving a ‘Good’ report from Ofsted just last year, the school boasts a proud history of academic success that reaches as far back as 1588 when the school was founded by Sir Robert Byrchall. As the present students gather artefacts and memories of school life today, they too are learning about life at Byrchall in the past from members of our alumni and staff.
Year 9 student Bethany said: “This project has been so much fun. I have been able to reflect on my own time at Byrchall and the things I enjoy and that makes me really happy here. It’s funny to imagine the students of the future who might learn about my story.
“I can’t wait to move into our new school!”
Head Teacher Alan Birchall added: “We have so much to celebrate here at Byrchall and the time capsule really reflects this history of success. Our students have offered some wonderful experiences alongside the mementos and memories of our alumni that will provide a proud and exciting record of life here for future generations to uncover.
“Bringing these items together, we are able to see the positive impact of our school over such a long period of time, and at the very heart of this community. This time capsule is something that will be at the foundation of our new school physically, and will form the basis for the bright future that we are building together.”
The Warrington Road based school has 1,200 pupils in a space that ‘is no longer fit for purpose’, according to a planning statement. The school will remain operational as building work is done, with development progressing in phases before the demolition of the old building.
