HUNDREDS of parents turned out for a first-look at where Bournemouth’s first free school will be situated from next year.

Parkfield School held their summer fete at the new school site at Bournemouth Airport on Saturday.

The school, which is currently based in Bournemouth town centre, will move to the former air traffic control centre at Hurn in September 2015.

And as part of the summer fair on Saturday, staff were offering parents and prospective families a chance to have a look around the building before work begins in November.

Principal Terry Conaghan told the Daily Echo that when work began there would be some demolition of outbuildings.

“Some of the older buildings need to be demolished. But some of them we can keep for future expansion.

“People have been really impressed; they can’t believe the size of the place.

“Our parents are so supportive, and this will give us so much more space here.

“A lot of the preparation has already started and demolition will begin in November.”

By September 2015, the school is likely to have around 600 pupils from reception age to year 11.

By 2016, it is hoped a sixth form will also be running at the school.

Sam Hanson, operations manager, said: “Of course we would like to stay in Bournemouth town centre but this site just gives so much more potential.

“Ninety-eight per cent of the parents are happy and the school will provide more choice and variety for parents.”

As well as tours of the school, the fair also saw performances from Southern Union Chorus, with activities including beat the keeper, drum workshops and the chance to play with a variety of animals including guinea pigs, snakes and stick insects.

The decision to move to the airport was taken earlier this year as a proposed move to the sites of the old police station and courts in Stafford Road was taking too long.