Time capsule buried at Northampton primary academy ahead of opening of new multi-million-pound building

Pupils, staff and patrons from Purple Oaks bury the time capsule.

The student council at Purple Oaks Academy, in Whiston Road, Kingsthorpe, also planted two oak trees ahead of £5million special educational needs school building in January 2018.

The time capsule contains letters and photos from pupils, pictures of the building works in progress and a copy of the day's newspaper (November 16).

Up to 100 pupils aged between three and 18 with a diagnosis of autism and/or severe learning difficulties will be supported at the new multi-million-pound building.

A student helps plant a new oak tree to mark the event.

Sarah Martin, principal of Purple Oaks Academy said: “The children enjoyed taking part in the ceremony and are excited about learning in their new environment when they move in. The purpose-built building will meet their needs and support them to make outstanding progress in all areas of school life.

“Moving to a new building brings lots of challenges for the children and this event was an important start in helping the children take ownership of the building. The significance of the planting and growing of the purple oak trees will be a visual reminder for years to come as the academy grows and develops.”

Midlands-based developers G F Tomlinson has been on site since January 2017 and is scheduled to hand over the building in December.

The Purple Oaks Academy will provide education for 50 children from reception year to year 7 in the first year, moving to full capacity of 100 pupils, including nursery-age children, by 2022.