A BRAND new primary school in Barnoldswick has made quite an impression with its "wow factor".

The newly-built Barnoldswick C of E Primary School, on Kelbrook Road, opened its doors to 248 pupils last week.

Even the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, will be making a visit to officially open the school on Wednesday, October 8.

"When people walk in they say 'wow'," said headteacher Michelle Dodgson. "This building has a wow factor because the new facilities are amazing!"

The school had an open day last Tuesday for parents and their children to look around and pupils enjoyed their their first day in the new building last Wednesday.

"They are all very excited," said Ms Dodgson. "We've got a lot more space now.

"The staff have been in over the summer holidays and worked hard to ensure that everything is ready for the children."

Ms Dodgson said contractors had completed all work on the new school, even classrooms which will be occupied once the school expands to two-form entry for all age groups over the next few years.

She said parents had been impressed with the school's facilities and the children were getting accustomed to their new surroundings.

"The children have settled into their new routines," said Ms Dodgson. "We've had a lot of assemblies and we've physically taken the children around school to show them where everything is.

"They've been brilliant," she added. "They like the new multi-use games area, the large playing spaces, the yards for juniors and infants and the large outdoor area for reception children."

She also said that up-to-date ICT equipment, including interactive SMART Boards, iPads and laptops have been greatly appreciated.

And because the school has more space, it has expanded the number of clubs it offers, including netball, football, choir, a craft club and a homework club. The school also has a new music specialist who comes in to teach the year five children how to play the clarinet.

"We have lots going on," said Ms Dodgson. "It's busy, busy."

To make sure Barnoldswick's C of E's old school on York Street is not forgotten, the building's foundation stone is being moved to the new school site.

"We'd like to show some connection and familiarity to our old school," added Ms Dodgson.