This month after six years in temporary accommodation the Paxton Academy is marking the start of a brand-new chapter in its history as the primary school moved in to its new building on London Road.

The flagship free school also has a new headteacher Theresa Moses, who joined in September 2020 from ‘outstanding’ Albemarle Primary School in Wandsworth.

Paxton was dubbed the Portakabin Academy as it had been based in temporary buildings in Brigstock Road since it opened in 2017, now has a purpose-built new home equipped with the very best primary school facilities.

The three-storey building includes a range of specialist classrooms for science, Design and Technology and music, as well as a MUGA (multi-use games area) and rooftop playground. A fully-fitted kitchen means that lunches can now be prepared on-site, and the spacious dining-hall also doubles up as for assemblies, school performances and indoor games.

In July last year the Academy was taken over by the Wandle Learning Trust which runs three other schools in Battersea and Balham with ’outstanding’ track records.

In October 2019 Ofsted inspected Paxton and gave it an ‘inadequate’ rating. At the time of the inspection the trust had only been in charge of the school for 15 weeks.

Headteacher, Theresa Moses said: “I’m absolutely delighted that the school community has finally got the facilities and environment they deserve. It’s been a tough few years for Paxton, but joining the Wandle Learning Trust last year marked the start of a rapid journey of school improvement under an interim leadership team.

‘As Paxton’s new Headteacher I can see how proud pupils and parents are of their school. It’s my mission to make sure we are providing a broad, balanced, highquality education that repays the trust our community puts in us.

“Every child will leave Paxton knowing they were supported and inspired to be their best, try new things and believe in their abilities. At this time of year, and especially with a new building, we’d normally be throwing open the doors to visitors.

“However, with the ongoing challenge of Covid-19 we will be offering a virtual tour instead, which I hope will still give prospective parents a great sense of the facilities and committed staff team ready to welcome their children. The tour will be available on our website shortly.”