“We are assuming the aquatics centre will remain as it is and we will be making use of it, most definitely. We will use any of the venues that remain and we have access to.”
The school, which will specialise in English and performing arts, will be run by the Harris Federation and sponsored by Lend Lease, which is building the rest of the East Village in the Olympic park.
Students from Newham and Waltham Forest will be given priority for places. Sportsmen and women have already been using the future school’s sports hall, theatre and drama studio — which are next door to the athletes’ village — as a gym and reception centre.
The school’s new classrooms were used as prayer rooms, information points and reception areas for athletes and their families during the Games.
Some of the Olympians even left messages of inspiration for the children who will use the facilities after them. Mr Baigent said the “incredible” messages written in their visitors’ books would inspire a generation of pupils who join the school when it opens next year.
He said: “These are very personal messages to them to encourage them to do well in school and to set themselves the highest possible targets.
“All the top names would have been in the gym and I have said we will keep whatever we can of the equipment.”
.jpeg?quality=75&auto=webp&width=320&crop=8:5,smart)