Mary Hare School celebrates official opening of new Primary School

On Thursday 27th April we officially opened our brand-new Primary School! 

We welcomed over 120 guests, including those who directly supported the project. The event opened with a joyful musical performance of The Rhythm of Life by Cy Coleman, performed by the Primary pupils. The pupils warmed audiences with their playing of the keyboard, drums and various percussion instruments.

Key speakers, including Harriet McCalmont, Chair of the Mary Hare Foundation, Andrew Strivens, Chair of Governors, and Robin Askew, Principal of Mary Hare School each shared their stories of the many years of this project and the impact the new school has already made since it welcomed its first pupils in September 2022. There were many people to be thanked for their support in making the project a success, including the Mary Hare Foundation, who raised £4 million in total.Visitors also heard speeches from current students who featured in the original campaign launch of the Primary School back in 2017. They shared how their time at Mary Hare has been pivotal in their academic success.A small musical band of Year 8 pupils then entertained audiences with a selection of songs by George Ezra and Bob Marley, before the school was announced as officially opened by guest, and recently retired Principal of Mary Hare, Peter Gale.In an emotional speech, Peter Gale shared his joy in opening the new school, its importance in bringing it into the 21st century with state-of-the-art facilities and offering a truly inclusive educational setting for the school‘s youngest deaf pupils for many years to come. Peter then declared Mary Hare Primary School officially open by unveiling a commemorative plaque.

Peter Gale shares in his experience of the day “It was a great honour to be asked back to officially open Mary Hare Primary School. Whilst I was Principal and CEO throughout the project, this really was the ultimate team effort and I am grateful to donors and our Foundation, governors, staff and all of our professional partners.”Sharing his thoughts on how important this opening means for deaf young people, Peter says, “This school is needed and I do hope that Local Authorities will see that early specialism can be transformational in the outcomes for deaf children.”

Robin Askew says “The event was a fantastic way to celebrate our new Primary School and we are thrilled to be able to mark the occasion with those who have supported us. This is an exciting chapter for Mary Hare School and I look forward to many more years welcoming new families to the school.”