Not many people will have memories of spending their school days learning inside train carriages, however Bouygues Energies & Services recently donated to Upshire Primary Foundation School towards this mode of transport being used as a library and extended services in the school. 

The school took delivery of two disused train carriages from railway rolling stock company, Porterbrook. The carriages are now on school grounds ready to be transformed into a library and an area for extended services, allowing for additional preschool places and the possibility of breakfast/after school clubs. Since sacrificing their library space when taking on an extra class in 2017, Upshire Primary are looking forward to once again being able to make the most of a quiet library space. 

The School hosted an event earlier this week as an opportunity for the staff and pupils to tell their story of the journey so far and to thank all the individuals and organisations involved. 

Our Planned Performance Maintenance Manager for our London PFIs, Patricia Kay, who attended the event said: 

‘When they first started talking about this Train project, I knew instantly I had to get involved. 
My two boys, 5 & 8 both attend the school and I know they have really missed having a library to enjoy. Not only will this provide a quiet space for the children, it will also be available to parents and the wider community to come and read with their children. 
This amazing project is just about to begin its journey and like any project, it requires as much help and support as possible. I am so proud Bouygues E&S were able to donate towards this and I am truly looking forward to helping transform this dream into a reality.’

Mrs Blackburn, Headteacher at Upshire Primary Foundation School:

'We are so grateful for the generous cash donation from Bouygues E&S and for offering their support going forward through their community volunteer days.  Without the generosity of companies such as Bouygues E&S we would not have got this project as far as we have.' 

To see the carriages being delivered to the school grounds and find out a bit more from the pupils click the links below:

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