A SCHOOL at the centre of plans to improve education in Brighton has officially been opened.

Carden junior and infant schools were among six schools that merged into three under Brighton and Hove education plans.

Like the infant and junior schools at Moulescoomb and Whitehawk, Carden became

a new, all-through primary school for children aged from three to 11 in September.

But unlike the others, Carden is the only school where the sites have merged as well.

Workmen set about refurbishing classrooms and building a new reception for the school in County Oak Avenue, and staff gave up some of their summer holidays to unpack boxes ready for the start of term.

The new school was officially opened yesterday after a term by MP David Lepper, who was joined by Brighton and Hove Council's director of education David Hawker, staff, parents, governors and pupils.

The new school has developed its specialist facilities for children with speech and language difficulties with the opening of a centre funded by the ICAN charity, which provides additional language support.

And a new computer suite was opened to help pupils keep up to date with technology.

Coun Pat Hawkes, chairman of the governors, said: "The important thing about the merger was to provide consistency for children going from one school to another and to unite the school.

"Staff at the school have bonded well to create a new strong identity for Carden which reflects the local area."

New head teacher Lesley Corbett said: "The amalgamation has brought us continuity of education from three to 11 years old. It has united our excellent staff and given us a common goal of quality education for all the community."

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