A MULTI-MILLION new school campus is due to open its doors next week.

Ponteland’s new school and leisure complex will welcome pupils for the first time on Tuesday, November 3, after nearly two years of construction work.

A new primary and secondary school for the town has been established on Callerton Lane, along with leisure and cultural facilities and sports pitches.

The secondary school will house around 1,600 pupils alongside a 420-pupil primary school, a 52-place nursery, a library and a cafe.

The leisure centre will feature a pool, spa, gym, soft play, and a climbing activity centre.

The £43million project forms part of one of the Northumberland biggest ever capital programmes, investing in schools throughout the county.

Ahead of the school's opening next week, Ponteland High School headteacher Kieran McGrane told parents: "I have been able to visit the new school 2-3 times within the last two weeks and the rate of change inside has been phenomenal as more furniture is placed in key positions and finishing touches such as quotes and printed Northumberland landscapes appear on walls.

"The overall impact is excellent and I trust that our students (and staff) will appreciate studying and working within such a fantastic environment."

School staff have spent time in school over the half-term break to ensure classrooms are ready, signage is clear and the site is safe for student's to visit.

Mr McGrane hosted an online walkthrough of the new site ahead of the reopening date. However, the school is still considering how to safely open the school for parents to visit.

Mr McGrane added: "I am keen that you are able to see the school in person. The likelihood is that we’ll plan some small group tours for after school so please watch this space for further details."