A NEW chapter in the story of Holy Cross Catholic Primary School was opened on Tuesday.

The new school, in Queen’s Drive, welcomed a number of guests to celebrate its official opening with the promise that one day it will become a full primary school.

At present it is home to just reception and Year One classes, but has been designed so that 14 classes will eventually accommodate 420 children.

Headteacher Tony McAteer said he couldn’t be more delighted at the bright future that now lies ahead for the new school.

“Originally we were Holy Rood Junior School and long had aspirations to become a primary school,” he said.

“ But the icing on the cake now is to be given a brand new-build school which is absolutely fantastic.”

“Everyone who has visited the school has spoken very highly of it and they are impressed by the layout.

“As far as resources go, we have everything that we could have possibly asked for at this school.”

Among the guests at the official opening of the school were Clifton Diocese’s director for schools and colleges Colleen Collette, Swindon Borough Council’s director of schools and learning Peter Nathan and central ward councillors Bob and Julie Wright.

The occasion was marked with mass at 11am before guests went on to enjoy a buffet reception.

In the afternoon the children were delighted to get a visit from Roly the clown who kept them amused with his comical antics.

Tony said: “The school will build from the bottom up.

“Eventually it will grow to become a full primary school. “ He said he was feeling very positive about the future.

“It now feels absolutely wonderful to be beginning this journey,” he said.

“ It is something we have aspired to for a long time.”