BISHOP of Ramsbury Right Reverend Ed Condry joined the oldest and youngest pupils at Marden Vale Academy in Calne on Friday to open the new school.

The former St Dunstan Primary School, now Marden Vale Academy, has joined six other schools under the Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust.

The change has seen a host of changes including a new colour scheme, signage and school uniforms.

Headteacher, David Mayer, said: “One thing that won’t be changing is the school’s commitment to ensuring that our students will leave Marden Vale as confident, happy, and determined children who are eager to learn and ready to meet the challenges that secondary school brings.

"Being a part of the Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust means that we have access to high quality support and that can only be a good thing for thing for the children.

“This is an important day for our community as it marks the start of a new chapter in the history of Marden Vale and the families it serves.”

In the morning the entire school had a commemorative photograph taken and the afternoon was given over to a special assembly.

Calne Mayor Howard Marshall was in attendance for performances from all of the year groups, and short speeches followed from Marden Vale Team Rector Reverend Bob Kenway, CEO of the Academy Trust Mark Lacey and the Bishop.

Afterwards, the Bishop cut the ribbon officially launching the Academy to cheers from the rest of the pupils, staff and guests.

Every child was given a free set of uniform to mark the event as well as a new book bag and water bottle both emblazoned with the new school logo which was designed by one of the pupils at the school and is based on the River Marden flowing under a bridge in Calne.