A SCHOOL marked 30 years of excellence in education with staff members who were there from the first day.

Newbarns Primary and Nursery School, on Rising Side in Barrow, opened in its current form in September 1994 following a restructuring that brought together the infant and junior schools on one site.

Headteacher Gary Birkett said it was a day to celebrate.

The TX Vikings thrilled the pupils of Newbarns School with their anti-bullying show in 2015The TX Vikings thrilled the pupils of Newbarns School with their anti-bullying show in 2015 (Image: Archives) "Today is a special day for Newbarns - it marks our 30th year of opening. We have two teachers here today - Mrs Steele and Mrs Postlethwaite – who were there on the very first day. They will have seen many changes over the years but the love at Newbarns stays the same," said Mr Birkett.

"It is a privilege to be here to teach you all.  I joined this school two years after it opened, in 1996, and I have been lucky enough to teach many of your parents over the years."

Kath Steele and Cheryl Postlethwaite, who were at Newbarns Primary and Nursery School on the first day, were presented with Long Service Awards by Professor Andrew Wren of South Cumbria Multi Academy Trust (SCMAT).

(left to right) Cheryl Postlethwaite and Kath Steele who were at Newbarns Primary and Nursery School on the first day have been presented with Long Service Awards.(left to right) Cheryl Postlethwaite and Kath Steele who were at Newbarns Primary and Nursery School on the first day have been presented with Long Service Awards. (Image: Submitted) The school converted to an academy and joined the Trust on October 1 2023 and is one of five member schools working together to drive up standards in education across the area.

Awards were also presented to staff for their contribution to education and the wider SCMAT community.

Teacher Sophie Broadbent was voted as the Inspirational Innovator, Deputy Headteacher Victoria Fitzgibbons was awarded the Unsung Hero and SCMAT Community Champions are Senior Teaching Assistants Laura Craig and Sue Poole. 

READ MORE: School on path to 'outstanding' given glowing Ofsted praise

Newbarns will hold its Open Evenings with tours of the school and a chance to meet staff on Tuesday October 1 and Thursday October 3 from 4.30pm to 5.30pm.