A PRIMARY school has celebrated the official opening of its new state-of-the-art site in Christchurch.

Twynham Primary School held a special event after years of work with Twynham Learning Trust, parents and local councils to deliver the new facility.

Guests at the event, which included Mayor of Christchurch Lesley Dedman, were given a tour of the school by pupils.

At present there are 184 children at the school from Year R to 5, but the Marsh Lane site will see numbers progress as children reach Year 6 and in the coming years through the development of two-form groups per year to meet demand.

Headteacher Jon Chapple said: “The new school is an amazing opportunity. I feel very proud to be part of such a professional and committed team responsible for the whole project.

“It is an exciting start for a school with a bright future ahead of it.”

The school expands Twynham Learning’s portfolio to six schools across the area.

Gareth Morris, CEO of Twynham Learning, said the site exemplifies all Twynham Learning stands for.

“At Twynham Learning we are proud to have worked with our local community to put in place a world class provision for the children and families of Christchurch.

“Twynham Primary will continue to grow and shine and provide equality and opportunity for all.

“It will work closely with the Twynham Learning family of schools to ensure that pupils get the very best provision available. We are certain that Twynham Primary will be a great success.”

Twynham Primary pupils gave their new school a thumbs up. Ten-year-old Jake said: “We have so much space to learn and play” and seven-year-old Lola added: “We are really lucky and I love having a library at last”.

Former executive headteacher Dr Terry Fish from Twynham Learning said the successful outcome had been reached through the determination and co-operation of so many dedicated to seeing the vision realised.

Cllr Dedman said: “As a county and borough councillor I know what had to be achieve to get to this stage and I am so pleased it is here.

“It is our children’s future and I think it is absolutely wonderful.”