School pupils have returned to newly restored classrooms after nearly a year of disruption caused by severe flooding.

Construction company Lindum successfully completed repairs to Heighington Millfield Primary Academy ahead of the new academic year.

The school, part of the Priory Federation of Academies Trust, was heavily damaged last October when Storm Babet caused major flooding throughout the region.

Millfield Primary was among the worst hit, with water infiltrating the entire building, forcing students and staff to relocate to temporary classrooms on site after initially being spread across two other Priory schools in Lincoln.

Work to restore the building began earlier this year but faced a setback when the academy was flooded again by Storm Henk, just days after Lindum began repairs.

The second flood halted construction briefly, but Lindum resumed work once the building had dried out. Despite the pause, the project was still completed within the original 18-week timeline.

Students and staff were excited to return and headteacher Donna Woosey said some children had been seen sneaking a peek through windows, eager to see their new and improved school for the first time.

Andrew Graves, the Trust’s Capital Projects Manager, said: “It’s nothing short of remarkable what has been achieved in such a short space of time. The school buildings are at the heart of the Heighington community and it’s wonderful to see them refurbished, enhanced and full of life once again.”

Lindum’s repair work has included the installation of flood prevention doors to better protect the building in the event of future storms. Meanwhile, the Environment Agency is liaising with the Department for Education, local authorities and the Trust to explore the viability of additional flood defence measures, aimed at securing the site from future weather events.

Nick Hammond, BMS Director at Lindum, said: “It’s great to see how Lindum has reacted in helping the Priory Federation following the catastrophic flood in October, providing labour to clear the classrooms, installing temporary cabins, and now fully remediating the school.
“My daughter Emily (9) couldn’t wait to get back into her old classroom. She was also excited to get the playground back!”