A BRAND new school has been officially opened in Selby.

Staynor Hall Community Primary Academy got the seal of approval on Friday when the deputy lieutenant of North Yorkshire, David Kerfoot arrived to do the honours.

The school, which is the latest member of the York-based Ebor Academy Trust, addresses the need for additional school places arising from the Staynor Hall housing development.

It will offer 210 places plus a Tiny Steps Academy for two-year-olds and a nursery.

The £4.6 million development followed consultation by North Yorkshire County Council in 2013 with local schools and the community on the future pattern of educational provision in Selby, given rising school numbers and proposed housing development.

The preference was for a new school.

Construction of the new school which was funded by North Yorkshire County Council and a contribution from Staynor Hall house builder Persimmon started in June 2015 and the doors opened this month for the start of the new term.

Gail Brown, executive head teacher, said: “We’re very excited.

“The school is looking fantastic and it is very satisfying to see the building completed, staff taking up their positions and children coming through the doors.”

County Councillor Arthur Barker, North Yorkshire’s executive member for Schools said: “This has been a ground-breaking project for us because it is the first of a number of new primary schools we will need to build to deliver places to meet the growth in the number of primary school pupils.

“It is the first we have built and handed over to a sponsor.

This school represents the biggest single investment in local educational facilities for Selby for many years and we have worked closely with our partners, the Ebor Academy Trust, to create a school that will give our children the very best in teaching and learning and high-quality facilities.”

Admissions for the new school will be co-ordinated through North Yorkshire County Council’s admissions team, in common with other schools in the area.

The official opening saw the school welcome invited guests, followed by tours around the facilities and a ceremonial opening by the deputy lieutenant who unveiled a plaque.

The Ebor Academy Trust runs four schools along with Staynor – Haxby Road Primary Academy in York, Robert Wilkinson Primary Academy in Strensall, Ebor Academy Filey and Brotherton and Byram Primary Academy.