GUISELEY's oldest school is stepping into a bright new future with its official opening as a primary.

St Oswalds, which was founded during the reign of Elizabeth I, has changed from a junior school and has extended its age range.

Now taking children from reception through to Year 6, it was blessed and opened on Tuesday by the Rt Rev Paul Slater, Bishop of Richmond.

St Oswald's headteacher, Rupert Madeley, told an invited audience there were deep and historic connections between the school – which was founded in 1592 – and the local community.

He said: "We are thrilled with our wonderful new extension and so pleased so many people from the local community and the history of the school turned up to help us celebrate its official opening.

"This is the start of a new chapter for St Oswald's School. As we move forward as a primary school, I am confident this wonderful new extension will help us provide the very best education for the children of Guiseley.

"So many people I talk to around Guiseley tell me they came to the school, or sent their children here and still feel a real affection for us."

St Oswald's has opened a brand new wing with a purpose-built unit on two floors. The youngest children have a covered outdoor play area, two classrooms and shared learning spaces. Upstairs are two large classrooms for children in Year 3.

Mr Madeley thanked all those who contributed to the new building, including Leeds City Council for its funding, the Diocese of West Yorkshire and the Dales, the architects at NPS, and the strategic and site teams who worked on the project during the school holidays in the summer.

Former headteacher, Fiona Woodhall, was also thanked during the ceremony for setting the project in motion, and the school’s staff were particularly singled out for moving equipment and furniture to enable it to open in time for the new term.

Bishop Paul paid tribute to the work of Mr Madeley and his team at the school, and prayed for God’s blessing on the building, the teachers and the pupils. He cut a ceremonial ribbon in the school colours across the threshold, declaring the school officially open.