STUDENTS and staff have moved into a new £23 million school – and given it top marks!

Beckfoot Oakbank has begun life in a state-of-the-art three-storey building constructed on the former astroturf area in the grounds of the old complex, in Oakworth Road, Keighley.

And the initial feedback has been hugely positive.

"The new school is massive but amazing!" said one pupil, as they spent a morning looking around the facilities.

Preparatory measures for the scheme, such as surveying, were carried out in the spring of 2016 and work proper got underway that summer.

The 1,600-or-so students continued to be taught in the former buildings while construction progressed.

The initiative had been approved as part of the Government's Priority Schools Building Programme, which uses private funding.

Provision in the new school includes a large atrium and a learning resource centre.

A sixth-form area is sited within the building, and post-16 students have their own study areas.

A separate, ultra-modern sports centre includes a large hall, two activity suites, a fitness suite and classrooms, all of which are also available for community use.

Both buildings are fully accessible, with lifts.

Andrew Thelwell, interim head of school, said he was delighted with the new facilities.

He added: "We have remarkable students and staff who deserve the opportunity to teach and learn in a building that is purpose-built and of the highest standard.

"It is a privilege to work with our staff to help create such a fantastic environment for all our students to benefit from.

"I am proud of the whole team and what it has accomplished here for our students and for the community.

"There was a real buzz around the school as pupils arrived to start their summer term.

"It was an exciting day, filled with anticipation and optimism for students and staff alike."