A new primary school and nursery has officially opened in County Durham on the site of a former comprehensive school.

Springmoor Grange School in Spennymoor, welcomed pupils and staff for their first term, replacing the former Ox Close Primary and Oxclose Nursery Schools.

The school cost £13m to build.

Anna Bowden, the school’s headteacher, said: "We are so excited to be together in our new school and welcome our pupils through the doors for the first time.

"The facilities are truly fantastic and will help us to enhance our current provision whilst maintaining our strong community ethos.

"We’re really proud that we have been able to work together to make sure Springmoor Grange School is the best it can possibly be for children attending now and in decades to come.

"We look forward to seeing our students grow and develop during their time here and celebrating all that they achieve."

(Image: Durham County Council)

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The school, funded and designed by Durham County Council, has a capacity for 630 primary school pupils as well as a 52-place nursery unit for children aged two and older.

Councillor Ted Henderson, the council’s cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said: "We are delighted to see the Springmoor Grange School open its doors to pupils and staff.

"It’s wonderful to see pupils so excited to be in their new school.

"These modern, first-class facilities will help to give our children the best start in life and no doubt inspire in them a love of learning, sports and extra-curricular activities.

"The one site will make it easier for children to move from nursery to primary and for staff to work together as a team to provide the best possible education for young people in the town."

The school has been designed to ensure school provision in Spennymoor keeps pace with the growing demand for places.