A former pupil of Broad Heath School who helped build its replacement went back to officially open the new facilities today.

Jeff Adams, managing director of Try Construction, joined the mayor, staff and pupils to formally open the buildings, off Stoney Stanton Road, this morning.

Construction started in May 1999, and was complete 10 months later. Pupils moved in after Easter, and the official opening was held today with a special assembly.

Mr Adams, 51, said:

“I was born down the road in Brooklyn Road and so this is a special project to me. I am a Coventry Kid and I was born in sight of the Courtaulds Clock.

“My firm tendered and won the contract, so it was interesting for me to be involved. We finished on time and handed the project over on time.

 “I left Broad Street when I was 11. It was certainly very boisterous at school and I remember playing rugby and cricket by the pub that is now Fatty Arbuckles.”

Try Construction bought 250 sweatshirts for the pupils. The oldest children, who leave at the end of term in two weeks, were given a maths set and dictionary.

Pupils have moved from the city’s oldest to newest school, which is on an adjoining site and close to where pupils used to play sports, so they no long have to cross busy roads to get there.

The old school in Broad Street was used for 90 years. The new £1.2 million complex is smaller than the older buildings and is part of the drive to cut surplus school places in Coventry. It has a new IT suite.

Broad Heath headteacher Ian Moorhouse said of the move to the new school site, which took place 10 weeks ago:

“Both staff and pupils really like the new and modern school building – being based here has already made learning and teaching much more of pleasure for everyone.

“I’m also very pleased with the internet-linked IT suite, which will take us forward into the future with confidence.”

The only glitch today was the non-arrival of the plaque, so the Mr Adam and Cllr Sheila Collins had to make do with a temporary sign on the site reserved for the new plaque, now scheduled to arrive next week.