STUDENTS are frustrated that a sanctuary is still under construction at their school six years after it was initially proposed.
Work started on the building, just inside the entrance to Anglo European School, in 2009 and will be completed by Easter, according to co-Head teacher David Barrs.
Designed as a quiet place for students to relax and pray, the sanctuary has drawn mixed opinion from parents and students, many of whom were not pupils at the Ingatestone secondary when it was first conceived.
Year 11 pupil Bryce Gale, 15, said: "The school itself is to blame for spending too much money on the sanctuary and by [under-estimating the construction timeframe]."
Another student, Year 13 pupil Jens Van den Brande, 17, had a similar opinion. He said: "Three years is definitely too long for a building that isn't particularly large or specialised in its design."
The £68,000 budget had been raised by the families of students and the Anglo European School Association, a fundraising organisation of parents and governors.
In efforts to speed up the project, the parent of a pupil was even drafted in to help paint the inside walls of the sanctuary.
Mr Barrs said: "I am disappointed with the pace in which the project has gone, but we are now close to finishing. I'm hoping for completion by Easter."
However the sanctuary has not been popular with some parents who were not pleased with the large sum of money being poured into the project.
Mr Barrs said: "I had two complaints before the building started but since then no one has complained to me regarding it.
"The Anglo is a rich and diverse community and our exchange programme, the [International Baccalaureate] and the Sanctuary are all key parts in staying different from other schools. I think most people can see that."
Mr Barrs did however concede that since the plan was set out in 2006, the lengthy process has seen a fall in student support.
He said: "In the early days I had hundreds of pupils up for it. Over the years the interest has been lost somewhat."
Both headteachers, of which Jill Martin is the other, hope the sanctuary will be open for use ahead of the school's 40th anniversary later this year.
