A ROYAL Wootton Bassett Primary School reopened as an academy to much fanfare when children, parents and school staff assembled in the playground to take part in a noisy Big Ring last week.

St Bartholomew’s Primary Academy, in The Rosary, was opened by town crier Owen Collier, followed by clanging, chiming and tinkling of bells brought to school.

A special service was held in the assembly hall and pupils shared their ideas and aspirations for the future of their school with the guests.

Samuel Case, headboy, and Emily Gurr, headgirl, both 10, were pleased.

Sam said: “It’s really exciting and a big change for the school and we’re all quite excited about it.”

Emily said: “It’ll mean there are a lot of changes, a new uniform and a new logo too as well as lots of different things happening.”