On Friday, I was honoured to attend the grand opening of Cobham Free School’s main site at Munro House, giving a speech and having an excellent tour.
The ceremony marked the end of a 10-year journey to bring an all-through school to Cobham. It’s a fantastic boost for children and parents in the area, particularly because the new site means the school will reach a capacity of 1,064 children – significantly easing the pressure on school places in Elmbridge.
Though the Sixth Form and senior departments had already moved into Munro House, Friday’s event marked the completion of all building work earlier this year. The site has been transformed, with two new performing arts and sports wings, including a large auditorium and new sports hall.
The building work also installed new science labs, a recording studio, and art, food tech and graphic design spaces. Cobham Free School is rightly proud of its academic excellence, as well as in music and sport, and these state-of-the-art facilities will provide even more opportunities for its pupils.
I was very proud to see the culmination of a project that began back in 2011. This achievement is a testament to the vision of Headteacher Michaela Khatib, and the dedication of the school’s staff, governors, trustees and friends.