STUDENTS of Bournemouth's Parkfield School have finally moved into a new building for the start of term.

Around 420 pupils, staff and support staff are now based at the eight-acre educational facility in Hurn.

The site features state-of-the-art science labs, a dance studio and a sports hall.

Interim head teacher Ian Golding, said: “This is a brilliant new chapter in the life of Parkfield.

“The staff has worked incredibly hard to complete the move into the new premises and the feedback on the new building has been great, from parents and children.

“Of course it hasn’t been without its hitches, as has been well documented.

“But throughout the relocation process - and in the face of delays and adversity - our staff, parents and children have remained patient and faithful and I thank them sincerely for that.”

Parkfield School is an all-through co-educational school. Children aged between four and 16 can study at the school.

As a free school, Parkfield is funded by the government and is independent from local authority control.

Graham Exon, chairman of the school’s Interim Advisory Board, said: “The move into the new building has gone well and our sincere thanks go to the builder, Kier, which has gone all out to facilitate the move in time for the new term.

"The transport arrangements have been remarkably smooth, thanks to Yellow Buses, with many children using the bus and others keen to start doing so.

“There are still a few areas to be completed, including finishing touches to the sports hall and outdoor landscaping, but when you consider the scale of the changes we have made to the former Air Traffic Control training centre, we are all very pleased.

“It is deeply gratifying to see our staff and pupils settling in to their stunning new school.”

An open evening will take place at the school on Thursday, September 28 between 4pm and 8pm.

To book a tour, call 07825 988666.