AS the new pupils in their pristine school uniform waved goodbye to their parents, it marked a new era for Whiteley.

The brand new Cornerstone C of E Primary School opened its doors to children for the first time today (September 5), and it was an emotional occasion for all concerned.

For the 34 four, five and six-year-olds, there were new classrooms and new teachers. And for parents and campaigners it was the end of years of hard work to secure a new school.

The new building, off Leafy Lane, has been built and furnished in just five months. Staff and governors have been recruited, school places allocated and a smart new purple uniform designed and made in just eight months.

Chairman of governors Andrew Saunders said: “It’s a miracle that it has happened so quickly, after waiting for such a long time. It usually takes two years to create a new school. The moment the first children walked in was quite emotional. It was a long-held dream come true.

“It feels like a new era for Whiteley, with a new school, new shopping centre and new vicar. There was a real sense of community as parents from different backgrounds came together to campaign for this school to be built.

“Hampshire County Council has been tremendous in building the school so quickly and tackling the issues that came up during the building work.

“We’re delighted to have the backing and input of the Church. We’re thrilled at the way that the partnership with the Church of England is developing.

“The enthusiasm and passion that the staff, leadership and governors have shown has been tremendous. We’re also grateful to the governors of Sarisbury Junior School who have allowed their head, Charlotte Weavers, to become executive headteacher here too.”

The new vicar of Whiteley, the Rev Philippa Mills, led prayers for staff the day before pupils arrived. And on opening morning, she prayed with staff, parents and children as they gathered in the hall for their first day.

Governors have already invited the Bishop of Portsmouth, the Rt Rev Christopher Foster, to formally open the school at a ceremony on October 22.

The school includes four classrooms, a hall big enough for 210 pupils, a library, staff room, offices and an outside play area. Contractors are still working on a playground and playing fields.

It is designed to be a temporary building for the next four or five years until the new 3,000-home development to the north of Whiteley is built. It will then move to a new location in that area.

Until then, the number of children taught there will increase each year as existing pupils grow older and new pupils start in its reception class. Plans have already been agreed for three new classrooms to be added to the building when they are needed.

Mum Julia Wilks, 32, from Lovage Road in Whiteley, used to send her six-year-old son Fletcher to a school in Horndean because of a shortage of school places nearby.

“Logistically it was just too far to go,” she said. “This is brilliant, and it means that I don’t have to worry about travelling too far. He can make friends with other children who live nearby. It’s a lovely new building and it’s a great opportunity for all the children here.”