JUST over nine months after work began on Poole's new junior school, the £6.8million structure has been completed.

Ocean Academy Poole has been built on the old Fourways site on Constitution Hill Road and is due to take in its first pupils in September.

However before it does, there will be an opportunity for pupils and for parents and residents to explore the borough's newest school.

It has been built by contractor McAvoy Group, using a combination of modular and conventional steel frame construction.

Cllr Mike White, cabinet portfolio holder for children and young people and capital projects at Borough of Poole, said: “We are delighted the new school, the first newly established school in Poole for 22 years, has been completed.

"It will help meet the growing need for junior school places in the central Poole area, due to increased numbers of children already in our infant schools.”

The junior school will have 90 pupils in each year group, with three forms of entry. The council selected Aspirations Academies Trust as the academy sponsor of the school, which will open first to Year 3 only, growing year on year until Year 6 completes the school in 2018.

It will have capacity for 360 pupils in total when it is full, 90 pupils in each of four year groups.

Borough of Poole and Aspirations Academies Trust will continue to work closely over the summer months to ensure everything is in place for September.

Ellen Humphries, principal designate said: “We will be visiting pupils in their current schools and getting to know them, and we are also planning an exciting transition day for pupils on July 2, when they will get their first glimpse of the fabulous new building, its resources and meet the staff.

"Information sessions and tours for parents are also planned so that everyone can see what Ocean Academy has to offer.”

Cllr White added: “On Monday July 6 we’ll also be holding an open afternoon for local residents to come and have a look around the school. Many local residents were there at our early consultation events, so we’d be delighted to welcome them back to see the finished product. Please drop in anytime between 3pm and 7pm.”