A MULTI-million pound transformation of a school was celebrated with a grand opening attended by the country's education chief.

Damian Hinds, secretary for state for education was in Altrincham to unveil the £7.3 million new look North Cestrian School.

The three year remodelling programme has created a school fit for 21st century learning while maintaining the school's historic roots and frontage.

The redevelopment of the school has seen a new reception area with disabled access constructed along with a new pupil entrance, dining room, staff room, food technology and design technology rooms and an additional science laboratory. Corridors and existing learning spaces were also significantly refurbished as part of the project.

Secretary of State for Education, Damian Hinds, was given a tour of the school before formally opening the redevelopment along with MP for Altrincham and Sale West, Sir Graham Brady.

Lee Bergin, headmaster of North Cestrian School, said: "We are truly delighted with the outcome of the school’s redevelopment and forever indebted to the Secretary of State and his department for their investment and continued support.

"Since being granted free school status in 2016 we have been on an incredible journey and I firmly believe the new buildings offer both our staff and pupils a modern learning environment still in keeping with the school’s traditional heritage.

"Throughout the development process, both pupils and staff managed to minimise the disruption to day-to-day school life. I think we can all agree that it has been worth the wait.

"Over the last six years we have nearly tripled in numbers and continue to be oversubscribed which is a testament to the high standard of education for local 11-16-year olds we provide.

"It’s a fantastic development for everybody involved with North Cestrian and an exciting new chapter in our proud history.”