31047-8THE headteacher of Swindon's newest school said its grand opening would be a dream come true for the community.

Clive Westall will welcome 119 pupils into St Francis School, Taw Hill, on Thursday.

As soon as the opening date was announced applications flooded in from parents, eager to secure places for their children,

Teaching posts were quickly filled, with the fourth and last teacher being appointed in May.

Team building meetings have been held, giving staff a chance to thrash out school policy and think of ways to furnish the new classrooms.

Mr Westall, an experienced head, who arrived from Ross-on-Wye in January, said both teachers and pupils would form an important part of the community.

The Church of England School's nursery facilities mean it can cater for children aged three to 11.

And, although many pupils will have to be taught in temporary classrooms until work is finally completed next year, Mr Westall is confident things will run smoothly.

A parent teacher association has been set up to iron out any teething problems that may develop along the way.

Swindon Council's lead member for education, Garry Perkins, said the school was a welcome addition in the town.

"It is very welcome, particularly because of the pressure on primary schools in the northern sector of the town," he said.

"There are plans for two more primary schools to open in the northern sector in 2006."

Coun Charles Lister (Con, Abbey Meads) said: "I am delighted the school is opening but it is unfortunate that part of it may be in temporary classrooms.

"I understand that the school buildings will not be fully completed until later in the term or even in January.

"We welcome the new school places in the north of Swindon but we are still short.

"As St Francis is a denominational school we will get children from right across Swindon.

"St Francis will help a little and take some of the pressure off, but 72 parents in the northern sector did not get the places they wanted this year."

St Francis' School will also become home to the local Anglican congregation.

Currently, worshippers use the Taw Hill Worship Centre for weekly prayer meetings.

Ben Payne