A CATHOLIC school in Bournemouth has opened its doors to primary school pupils for the first time.

More than 50 four-year-olds are now enjoying lessons at St Peter’s in Holdenhurst Avenue.

Until now, St Peter’s has been a secondary school with Year 7 and 8 pupils taught at Holdenhurst Avenue and Years 9-13 at St Catherine’s Road in Southbourne.

But the drastic need for primary school places in Bournemouth means it has now moved into the primary sector and the new pupils will be the first to be offered an all-through education to the age of 18.

Head teacher David Todd said: “Opening two new classes in a new phase of education is a huge undertaking and, because of all the collaboration and team effort, the pupils are benefitting from some superb facilities.”

The new head of the primary phase is Kathy North, who leads a team of teachers and assistants.

She said: “To think that these little ones arriving now will leave St Peter’s as adults when they are 18-years-old is a momentous yet humbling thought.”

Work on the new classrooms was carried out by Bournemouth Building Services. An open evening will be held on Thursday, October 9 at 6pm for parents and carers who are looking for school places.