THE first phase of a multi-million pound expansion of a Test Valley school was officially opened at a special event.

The Mayor of Test Valley, councillor Carl Borg-Neal, cut the ribbon to the new building at North Baddesley Junior School as part of Hampshire County Council’s bid to increase pupil spaces in the area.

The £4.1m expansion scheme, split between the village’s junior and neighbouring infant schools, is set build a combined seven new classrooms.

The schools, which are linked, will be turned into three-form entry with three classes per year and developed into a combined primary campus.

New border protection – which includes additional landscaping and fences for screening – is also part of the plans.

And now, as the new reception area and three classrooms are officially opened, headteacher Neil Hardy hails the council’s decision to pump in the funds.

“It is fantastic to see the completed work,” he added.

“It’s a really long term investment in the area and it is great to see.

“The extension looks likes a brand new building, despite having been originally built in 1968.

“It looked sad and tired so the investment is welcomed.”

Speaking about what the future holds for the school following the expansion, Mr Hardy added: “Now the first phase has been completed, its onwards and upwards from here.

“We will continue to grow as a school and hopefully be able to offer more families in the area a place here.

“We have got waiting lists, but it is the same story everywhere.”

The funding, announced in January, comes as part of a Hampshire-wide school investment programme by the county council, totalling around £300million.

The programme will deliver 18,275 new primary and secondary school places by 2020, with 7,360 places delivered to date – from 2013 to 2016.

Cllr Borg-Neal added: “It is great to see the new building and the enthusiasm the pupils here show.

“It was a really good move from Hampshire County Council to expand the existing schools that are established in the area, rather than build a brand new one.

“With new developments planned for North Baddesley, the area is expanding and increasing the size of the school is a great investment.”