A BRAND new primary school was officially opened in Basingstoke last week, on what was described as a “special and historic day” for the town.

Headteacher John Martin cut the ribbon to the £4.35 million Castle Hill Primary School Rooksdown Campus, which will eventually provide 210 school places for children aged four to 11, once it reaches full capacity.

The new build, in Park Prewitt Road, opened its doors to its first 30 pupils in September last year, as reported in The Gazette, and is being led by Castle Hill Primary School headteacher Mr Martin.

Mr Martin was given a special surprise at the opening ceremony, when a silver Birch was unveiled in his honour in the school grounds, to mark his 25th anniversary at Castle Hill, in Winklebury.

He untied a ribbon on the tree to cheers from staff, pupils and parents, who watched as he finished planting.

Mr Martin said: “This is another hugely exciting chapter in the school’s journey. The school is of flagship quality and there has been enormous interest in this beautiful building, complimented by its stunning grounds.

“The class of 2015 are a delight and full of character. I am blessed with a fantastic staff, a thoroughly committed and talented board of governors and supportive parents who have already built a firm partnership with the school. The future is full of opportunity and our mission is, as always, to make every class world class.”

Guests at the opening ceremony were invited inside the new school for a drinks reception and speeches.

Councillor Peter Edgar, Hampshire County Council’s executive member for education, told those attending: “It’s a special and historic day for Basingstoke and this school and it’s all a good news story.”

He added: “Castle Hill is a very highly-regarded school, locally and nationally, and I’m pleased that through our programme of investment in school expansions in Hampshire, we have been able to build it a whole additional campus and offer more children in the neighbourhood the opportunity to attend such a high-performing school.”

The new timber-clad school has been built next to the existing Rooksdown Community Centre, creating a neighbourhood hub with outdoor teaching and space for the children.

Following the reception visitors were given a tour of the campus, which includes seven classrooms, a hall, library, games court, hard play area and sports pitch.

The school is part of a £142 million investment by Hampshire County Council to build new schools and expand others in the county, to create more than 11,000 new school places.