A WINCHESTER private junior school has opened its new performing arts and sports hall.

St Swithun’s completed the second and final phase of its ambitious build of a new school at the start of the summer term with the opening of the new performing arts space and sports hall.

The new building includes a performing arts hall with retractable seating and overhead projection and a fully equipped sports hall for use by all year groups.

This modern design echoes the style of the new main junior school building, which opened last September.

Both buildings are light, bright, modern spaces and wonderful environments for both children and staff. Everything is flooded with natural light and the huge expanses of glass give views over trees and fields beyond. Internally the buildings have been designed with light wood finishes, oak floors and white walls, giving a feeling of light and space.

To ease traffic flow on Alresford Road the school has also improved its road system by creating a new school drive.

Headmistress Pim Grimes said: “We are very lucky to have such excellent facilities so close to the main school building. It is a real pleasure to walk up to school in the morning and see the completed buildings, the apple tree orchard beginning to grow, the magnolia flowering and the new landscaping softening the lines of the school.

"The children and I felt that Monday morning’s assembly in the new performance hall was a momentous moment, the sun was streaming in through the windows and we felt pleased to be back at school ready for the summer term”.