ROMSEY schools have celebrated the results of a £3.8m expansion.

Woodley Pre-School and Cupernham Infant and Junior Schools, in Bransley Close, Romsey, have all undergone a refurbishment in order to accommodate new pupils.

The schools are in the catchment area for the new Abbotswood development, which will see 800 new homes.

In order to cope with increased numbers of pupils the infant and junior schools will go from two-form to three entry in September next year, though it will take several years before the school is at the capacity it has been designed for.

All schools have been refurbished, but both the junior and infant schools have also been extended to provide new music, IT and library facilities to replace those that have been converted back to classrooms for the extra pupils.

The work, organised by Hampshire County Council, was paid for out of developer contributions and has taken 18 months.

The facilities have been in use since the beginning of term.

Southampton Paralympian wheelchair rugby star Aaron Phipps did the honours at the official opening, helping four children to hoist flags with school designs on them to symbolise the school’s new future.

Junior school head teacher Jonathan Clay said: “It’s fantastic, we’re thrilled with it and it’s a lovely learning environment.

“It was needed for the space but also both schools were in need of refurbishment and to all intents and purposes they are brand new schools inside which is having a positive impact on children’s learning."