Picture: Holly Gibson
ENGLAND rugby world cup winner Sarah Hunter MBE took a trip down memory lane to help celebrate the regeneration of her former high school.
She dropped in to officially open the new state-of-the-art facilities at Longbenton High School, as part of a flying visit home that also saw her receive the prestigious Freedom of the Borough from North Tyneside Council.
The school has been completely rebuilt under the Government Priority Schools Building programme with dated buildings giving way to a bright and airy modern structure.
North Shields-born Sarah, 32, is captain of the England national women’s rugby union team and was crowned World Rugby Women’s Player of the Year in 2016.
Speaking at a special assembly to commemorate the project, she said: “The school played such a big part in my life and it’s brilliant to see the difference from the school I attended around 14 years ago.
“It certainly did shape the person that I have become, whether that was my fellow pupils and friends or more importantly the teachers who inspired me each and every day.
“My rugby career started about 800 metres up the road at what is now Benton Dene, but it was probably here that I realised I could have a dream of playing for England.
“We are now in this great learning environment that children and teachers can absolutely thrive in. I am really proud to come back today and share this new chapter and exciting journey where the school can go on to bigger and greater things.”
The former Longbenton Community College was built in the 1953 and had segregated learning, with boys and girls taught in separate buildings. The old multi-block buildings have been replaced by a modern complex over two floors.
Head teacher Paul Quinn, said: “It’s an honour to be standing here as we formally recognise the opening of our new school. So many people have played a very significant role in reaching this milestone and I want us to recognise that.
“This new school represents a significant investment, one that provides a fundamentally better school experience than the old one did. It will give our children here an edge in their education and allow us to offer our students the best possible study environment to provide a solid foundation for lifelong learning.
“It’s been a lovely surprise for our students to have Sarah come back to the school to help commemorate this project and she seems to have enjoyed reliving memories of her time here.”
North Tyneside’s Elected Mayor, Norma Redfearn MBE, a former head teacher, thanked school governors and staff, council colleagues, and the Education and Skills Funding Agency, for bringing the project to fruition
She added: “I’m extremely proud to be a friend of Sarah’s mother…we’ve watched her grow up from a small child and a talented young lady and to rise to such fame as captain of the England rugby team. It shows to all the other pupils that anything is possible. If you have a dream, chase it."