THE headteacher of a primary which received a £7,500 revamp in last year’s School Build Save Our Schools competition is urging others to apply for this year’s scheme.

Last year, the Oxford Mail teamed up with Abingdon-based construction company Leadbitter to offer schools the chance to win improvements or refurbishments worth up to £7,500.

Following a hotly-contested campaign, 10 primary schools were shortlisted and, after collecting 19,300 special vouchers in the Oxford Mail, North Kidlington Primary School was crowned champion and given a new bird hide in the school’s wild garden.

Headteacher Ann Battersby said: “We wouldn’t have been able to do this without the money. We have a wonderful outdoor building, which has enhanced our play and learning.”

Work on the bird hide was completed during the summer holidays last year, ready for the beginning of the school year in September, and Mrs Battersby said it had been in constant use.

She said: “In the winter we can do a bird watch and everyone who comes to visit the area remarks how lovely it is.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for people to get something they just couldn’t afford within their budget. This was a real extra for us, and it’s beautiful.

“There will be generations of children who can enjoy it in the future, and I would like to say thank you once again.”

This year the theme for the contest is the Olympics, and primary schools are invited to apply for anything from refurbishment of existing facilities and new equipment to improvements to swimming pools or viewing areas.

Schools have until Monday, June 7, to apply, then a panel of judges from Leadbitter and the Oxford Mail will meet on Wednesday, June 9, to select 10 finalists.

Then the race will be on to collect as many tokens printed in the paper as possible, which will be weighted according to the number of pupils in each school.

Applications need to explain the project in detail, including benefits it will bring and how it will be sustainable.

Projects must not need planning permission or building regulations and the £7,500 must cover labour and materials.

fbardsley@oxfordmail.co.uk See Thursday's Oxford Mail for an entry form.