Catherine Infant School in Belgrave, Leicester, has officially unveiled its brand-new building with a grand opening celebration.
The school, rated Outstanding by Ofsted, has undergone a complete rebuild. The modern new facilities include 15 classrooms, a library, a sports hall, a dedicated sports pitch, larger play areas, and an outdoor classroom. Solar panels have also been installed, reflecting a focus on sustainability.
Picture credit: Leicester City Council
Additional rooms have been created to support the school’s specialist unit for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), along with spaces designed for small-group work to provide targeted pupil support.
Catherine Infant was among just 50 schools nationwide selected for a major Government programme to modernise outdated educational buildings. Construction began in May 2023, with students and staff moving into the new building in January 2025. Demolition of the old premises wrapped up in March, and the site has since been landscaped.
Headteacher Mitesh Madhaw expressed his pride in the transformation:
“We are absolutely delighted with our new building and grounds. The improved space and facilities are already making a real difference, and our recent Ofsted visit confirmed we’ve maintained our outstanding standard of education.
“We managed this huge project while keeping our focus on the children – and it’s paid off. The new two-storey design has also allowed us to dedicate much more space to outdoor learning and play, which is a huge benefit.”
The opening event was a festive occasion, featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a live band, whole-school singing, and a playground summer festival.
Assistant City Mayor for Education, Councillor Elaine Pantling, attended the event and shared her enthusiasm:
“We’re very proud to support Catherine Infant School. A well-designed learning environment is essential for both pupils and staff, and this rebuild has delivered fantastic new facilities.
“It’s also wonderful to see the inclusive approach at Catherine Infants, with strong support in place for children who need extra help so that every pupil feels part of the school community.”
The updated school now accommodates up to 430 pupils, including a 60-place nursery and 10 spaces for specialist provision. More than 80 staff work across the site.
