THE Bishop of Winchester performed the official opening ceremony at the new academy which bears his name.

The Rt Rev Michael Scott-Joynt spent the day in Bournemouth to celebrate academy status at the Mallard Road school.

Two services took place, one to bless the new chapel and the other to mark the official opening.

Bishop of Winchester is one of three new academies in the area waiting to find out whether or not they will receive government funds for much-needed building work.

They were initially earmarked for millions of pounds under the Building Schools for the Future project but the project was scrapped earlier this year.

The academy hit the headlines two weeks ago after some parents complained about its “zero tolerance” approach to school uniform rules. Some students were sent home to change their shoes, despite some being from high street school ranges.

Principal Paul McKeown said he is delighted with the way the pupils have started the new academic year and said he is hoping for record exam results next summer.