Dame Kelly Holmes

Haggerston School is on track after Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes MBE marked the finish line of recent refurbishment work by officially re-opening the building.

After cutting the ribbon on Saturday (July 7), the retired middle-distance runner enjoyed the school’s first ever Community Festival, which was based on the theme of sustainability.

Highlights included an architectural tour of the school, in Weymouth Terrace, a swap shop, plant stalls, and a bicycle-powered sound system and smoothie maker.

The festival also encompassed The Community Writing Project, in advance of the school’s “year of literacy”, which is due to begin in September.

Five local authors ran workshops with families.

Headteacher Dr Jane Keeley said she was “honoured and delighted” that Dame Kelly was able to reopen the school just weeks before the Games begin.

She added: “It meant a huge amount to the students, who have had assemblies this term on the Olympic values, and who were able to listen to her talk about her own career and the importance of never giving up in the face of adversity.

“She is a great role model and motivator, the students found her inspirational, and we really want to thank her for being our honoured guest.”