PARENTS of children at a Chester primary have had a sneak preview of the city’s newest school.

Headteacher of Chester Blue Coat CE Primary School Vince O’Brien invited parents to look around the new £5.8m school building, on Walpole Street, which will open on March 4.

He said: “We had a great afternoon. Our parents have been really keen to view the building and leapt at the chance.

“Many of the parents commented on the beauty of the wood, the natural light and the spacious feeling of calm inside. As the design and finishes are of such high quality, one parent even compared it to a five-star hotel!”

The school, which is an amalgamation of the old Victoria Infant and St Thomas of Canterbury Junior schools, has also been praised by Ofsted.

Inspectors described teaching as consistently good with good leadership by the headteacher and exemplary behaviour by the children.

The report went on to highlight outstanding performances in maths by the end of Year 6, teachers’ high expectations for pupils which helps ensure they make good progress, good communication between the school and parents, the provision of before and after-school clubs and the value of residential and day trips.

The inspectors stated: “Mathematics is a strength, especially for boys who make outstanding progress to attain significantly above the national average by the end of Year 6.

“Reading is a strength, pupils read widely and guided reading sessions are well led and enjoyed by pupils.

“The majority of lessons are good, with a small minority which are outstanding.

“Teachers have consistently high expectations of pupils: they know them well and work toward ensuring all are confident learners.”

Mr O’Brien said: “We are delighted with this report.

“Staff have worked extremely hard and the Ofsted judgement is testament to their commitment and determination.

“The inspection came at a challenging time for us with the upheaval of moving to the new school. With our new building and new start, this report points to a very bright future for the school. We have all the ingredients to become an outstanding school by our next inspection.”

Chester Blue Coat CE Primary School will be officially opened on Monday, March 4, at 2pm by the Bishop of Chester, the Rt Rev Dr Peter Forster. There is also an open afternoon on Friday, March 8, from 2-3pm.