The new building, which was designed and delivered by Arc Partnership, complements the existing Grade II listed building and has provided the school with a new hall, as well as a new classroom and an upgrade of the school's dining facilities.

Mrs Duggin added: “It’s such an invaluable resource for us. We’re growing in numbers as a school and we’re so excited for the benefits that the new hall will bring to our community.

“It means that children can have their lunch together, be taught top quality PE lessons in bad weather, perform plays and concerts on the school premises and have an appropriate space to meet and hold celebrations, such as good work assemblies.

“We’re looking forward to the opportunities our new space allows us and are excited to use this moving forward."

Sara continues: "Building our experience in the heritage sector and by working together with Nottinghamshire County Council, East Markham School and G F Tomlinson, we created a truly collaborative working partnership which has delivered a complex project on schedule."

Councillor Tracey Taylor, Chairman of the Children and Young People’s Committee, said: "The fantastic expansion had been a long time coming. The school has campaigned over the years with great tenacity and with help from local councillor John Ogle."

Cllr Tracey Taylor, Cllr John Ogle and Sara Williams visited the pupils and teachers at East Markham School at the end of July for a tour around the new facilities and to officially open the new school hall.

Photo from left to right: Cllr John Ogle, Laura Duggin (Headteacher), Sara Williams (Arc Partnership) and Cllr Tracey Taylor.

As a result of the new additional space, the school’s admissions number has risen from 20 to 30 pupils, which sees overall capacity rising from 150 to 210 from reception to year six (ages four to 11).

The new school hall and improvements to kitchen facilities will see an increase in the number of children having school meals whilst at school.