Introducing Alfred Lord Tennyson School – North Northamptonshire’s new primary

10 May 2023

The name of the new primary school in Rushden set to open in September has been announced as Alfred Lord Tennyson School.

The opening of the school has come about after formal approval was given to amalgamate Tennyson Road Infant School and Alfred Street Junior School.

After consultation with the school community, it has been decided that one of England’s greatest poets, Alfred Lord Tennyson, would be an apt character to lend his name to the newly amalgamated schools. 

This announcement comes as the headteacher for the new school has been named as Mrs Kelly O’Connor, who is the current headteacher of Alfred Street Junior School.

The new school uniform will be red and will feature the new school logo which will be based on designs created by pupils at the two existing schools. The Council will support pupils' transition into the new school by providing a school jumper or cardigan, a PE T-shirt and, for younger pupils, a book bag in the new school's colours.

I’m delighted that we’re now at the stage of making these announcements as it makes this exciting new development very real. 

I am very pleased that we are able to support parents by providing uniform and am sure this will contribute to everyone feeling a part of the new school when it opens in September.

The Council is committed to continuing to support the development of the new school and ensuring the very best outcomes for all of the pupils who go there.Cllr Scott Edwards, Executive member for Children, Families, Education and Skills

The Shadow Governing Body of Alfred Lord Tennyson School are pleased to be working with the new headteacher Mrs Kelly O’Connor and the Council to secure the opening of the new school.

It is an exciting journey that, with your support and engagement, will see the ambitious plans for the school’s ongoing development realised. Over the next few months, you will begin to see some of these changes as preparations are made for the new term in September merging the two schools into one primary school.Mike Kendall and Richard Scarfe, Joint Co-Chairs of the Shadow Governing Body

Alfred Lord Tennyson was considered as a suitable name as not only was he prominent in literature, it is thought that he also embodied the British values which are so important to the national curriculum.

In 1832, when there was widespread reluctance among the landed classes, he supported the extension of suffrage, which contributed to the democracy enjoyed today. 

A new school website is currently being developed and will be ready for the opening in September and will showcase the new Alfred Lord Tennyson School.

The new school will open on the two existing school sites on September 1. Staff, pupils, parents, carers and the wider school community will be kept informed of further developments from now until September.

Primary education is so important for laying down academic foundations so young people can fully realise their potential and I’m pleased that the Council has been able to help drive forward some much-needed change. I look forward to the new school opening in September and wish everyone well in this new chapter.Cllr Jason Smithers, Leader of the Council