A new garden has been formally opened at Peterhouse Church of England Primary Academy in Gorleston, with the aim of providing fresh learning and wellbeing opportunities to one of the most deprived regions in Norfolk.
A launch event has been held at the school which serves the county’s sixth most deprived community, with Revd Matthew Price, Vicar of St Mary Magdalene Church and Chair of Governors at Peterhouse Church of England Primary Academy, leading a prayer of blessing over the garden and all who will use it.
Paul Dunning, Director of Education for the Diocese of Norwich, and Chris Read from the Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust (DNEAT), were among those in attendance to celebrate the new space created as part of the National Education Nature Park initiative.
The garden has been funded by the Department for Education as part of the scheme administered by the Royal Horticultural Society, which also sent representatives to the opening ceremony in Gorleston.
Ryan Freeman, Executive Headteacher at Peterhouse Church of England Primary Academy, said:
“This garden is so much more than plants and soil — it’s about creating opportunities for our children to flourish. Many of our families face real challenges, and this space will give pupils a chance to learn outside the classroom, to reflect, and to grow in confidence.”
It is hoped that science and arts teaching in particular will benefit through using the space, enriching the curriculum at a school which has high levels of pupils eligible for the pupil premium and a significant number of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).