Donington Thomas Cowley High School sees £800,000 investment but COVID-19 delays opening of new classrooms

An £800,000 two-classroom block at Thomas Cowley High School is beginning to take shape behind roadside barriers in Donington.

Being built on the site of a now demolished derelict building, known as Mrs Abbott’s Cottage, the classrooms were due to open in September but COVID-19 has forced a delay.

It’s now expected the building will open in January although Lincolnshire County Council says it is working with the contractor on a revised finish date.

Matt Clayton, the council education provision planning manager, said: “COVID-19 has inevitably had an impact on the building work at Thomas Cowley.

“Although work is now underway and progressing well, unfortunately it will not be completed by September as originally planned.

“However, there is sufficient space on site for the number of pupils currently enrolled, as the new buildings are to support a rise in expected numbers in the future.

“We are currently working with the school and contractor to draw up a revised time-line for the project.”

The Thomas Cowley High School operations manager, James Caborn, said work is progressing well.

He continued: “We have been very happy so far. The council and contractors have been working well with the school.

“There was obviously going to be issues with with COVID-19 and lockdown but progress has still happened.

“The aim is to have the block completed ready to be handed over to the school for the start of the January term.”

Chairman of governors Simon Lilley said: “It will be great because we are well overdue some new buildings as we are such an old, historic school.

“Because of all the development going on in the area, including Donington, we will be looking to take more students in - this is as a result of Lincolnshire County Council asking us to do that.”