Newton Aycliffe train turned into classroom after rising pupil numbers

Kirk Merrington Primary School in Spennymoor had been facing space issues due to a surge in pupil numbers, prompting them to launch a fundraiser to purchase the train.

After acquiring the disused engine, volunteers from Network Rail worked to install necessary track materials for the train to sit on, followed by Hitachi Rail engineers who worked to strip and transform the interior of the train into a safe and usable learning environment.

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The project had been in planning since 2019, with the school staff first appealing to the local community for help.

With the help of the community, including local businesses and volunteers, the project was successfully completed.

Senior Section Leader at Newton Aycliffe, Steven Hall, expressed gratitude for being involved in the project, stating that it's "fantastic to support such a unique local project that will provide the children at Kirk Merrington with a fun environment in which to read and learn.”

He added: “It’s invaluable being involved in the community like we are up here at Newton Aycliffe. The school have been so thankful for the community coming together to help them out.

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The official opening of the primary school’s new learning environment and library, created from the converted train, was held in March after two years of hard work.

The event was attended by the local community, and school staff celebrated their success in fundraising and transforming the train.

Hitachi Rail engineers were also present at the event and expressed their satisfaction in helping the school to provide an innovative and unique learning space for the pupils at Kirk Merrington Primary School.