Proud children and staff at a new state-of-the-art Wolverhampton school welcomed Emma to showcase their stunning facilities. The school was officially opened last month and is one of the first in the country to be built to “Passivhaus” environmentally friendly standards.

It means the building, which has been designed using natural materials, high levels of natural daylight and excellent ventilation, needs up to 90% less energy to heat and cool it compared to standard buildings. The surroundings also create a healthy, fresh and uplifting atmosphere that enhances motivation and concentration.

The Old Fallings Lane school was designed by architects Architype and developed by Midlands-based Thomas Vale Construction as part of Wolverhampton City Council’s £16.6m Primary Capital Programme, which is transforming education for primary-aged pupils in the city.

The new Bushbury Hill also has state-of-the-art ICT equipment, two new library areas and smaller rooms off the main learning spaces to enable group working.

Emma said: “I am delighted Bushbury Hill Primary has the new building that it so desperately needed.

“Staff and pupils are now benefitting from the best possible learning environment which will hopefully inspire young people from Bushbury and the surrounding area to achieve great things.”

“I am very impressed with the design and with the many innovative features. This is really a first class development which will bring benefits to the local community for years to come.”