Enfield secondary school celebrates opening of new building

Chace Community School headteacher Tanya Douglas said she hoped the new building would “be a happy place to work and learn and to realise our vision”, reports James Cracknell

Enfield mayor Emma Supple joins schools pupils and staff for the ribbon cutting at Chace Community School — Enfield mayor Emma Supple joins school pupils and staff for the ribbon cutting at Chace Community School

A new secondary school building in Enfield has been officially opened – after being built in just a single year.

Chace Community School in Churchbury Lane yesterday (Tuesday 20^th) welcomed a series of special guests for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of its new main building, which was completed in time for the start of the 2026/27 academic year.

Work is now underway to demolish the old building at Chace and create new, enlarged playing fields to replace the green space that has been built on. The full redevelopment scheme is due to cost £36million in total once fully complete next year, funded by the government’s Department for Education.

Enfield mayor Emma Supple, council leader Alessandro Georgiou and Enfield North MP Feryal Clark all attended yesterday’s ribbon-cutting.

Cllr Supple said: “It has been astonishing to witness this building go up and become emblematic of everything that is happening with young people today.

“It is a hugely important milestone and it is an amazing school.”

Cllr Georgiou added: “It is a testament to this school that across two governments of different colours they have invested heavily and it is now a jewel in the crown of Enfield’s schools.”

Coincidentally, an unexpected Oftsed inspection began at Chace this week. The school is currently rated ‘good’. Headteacher Tanya Douglas said: “It has been a busy and emotional day. It is the start of a new chapter for the school.

“This building is for the future of young people and generations to come. It has been three years [in the making] and it is a labour of love but it’s been a privilege to work with the Department for Eductation, [construction firm] Bowmer and Kirkland and the council.

“It has been a journey, a labour of love – but more love than labour!”

The headteacher added: “I want it to be a happy place to work and learn and to realise our vision – an education of excellence to inspire young people to be the leaders of tomorrow.”

Chace Community School’s head boy Dylan also spoke at the ceremony. He said: “I hope it this building brings great things to the school. I am glad I get to spend my last year here.”

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