A kite-flying event marked the launch of the new Leamington Primary and Nursery Academy in a state-of-the-art building in Sutton.

Head Emma Hanson said: “It was wonderful to see so many families join the children to make and fly the kites, and also to celebrate with us as we begin a new journey.”

The school, which has joined The Flying High Trust, asked kite expert Malcolm Goodman to help children build kites and teaching assistant Pam Morley created a kite cake.

Chairman of governors Diane Morphew said the kite theme was fitting a good reflection of how the school felt — “that it was time to fly and go forward.”

A Leamington resident and a former pupil of the original 1954 Leamington school, Sheila Harrison, cut a ribbon to mark the opening of the new academy with one of the youngest children at the school, four-year-old Beau Cohen.

Sheila, (74), said: “It has been fantastic to be invited to cut the ribbon. I have very good memories of my time at the old school, I remember it as the best ever.

“The old head teacher, Mr Baxter, and his staff were wonderful. I hope the children here have the same feelings towards this new school.

“I did have a cry when I watched the old building being demolished, but I have enjoyed seeing the new building take shape and it’s much better for the children.”

The chairman of Ashfield District Council, Coun David Griffiths, presented the academy with a copy of astronaut Tim Peake’s book, ‘Hello, Is This Planet Earth?’

Chris Wheatley, chief executive of the trust, said: “We are delighted to welcome Leamington Primary Academy into the Flying High Trusts’ family of schools.

“We know that together we can create an academy that is a beacon of learning for the area and with the support of parents and the wider community we hope it can become a source of pride too.”

Site manager Kier Barsby is a former governor and pupil at the school.

Pictured are pupils celebrating with guests at the opening of the new Leamington Primary and Nursery Academy building as Sheila Harrison cuts the ribbon with the help of Beau Cohen.