THE EXCITEMENT was palpable as Northgate Primary School opened its doors for the very first time.

Year 1 students had their first day of school in the state-of-the-art facilities today (Thursday, September 7) and proud parents were all smiles as they dropped their children off.

Lavinia Gubb, aged 5, said she was very excited to start of her first day of school, and her mum Shirley said she was delighted to be bringing her daughter to Northgate Primary.

"It is brilliant," Mrs Gubb said. "Taking Lavinia to Somerset Bridge used to take 45 minutes but I can bring her here in a matter of minutes.

"This school is just what Bridgwater needs. I am very impressed with the facilities, I would have loved to come to school here."

The new school, which was built on the site of the former Blake Hospital, will be part of a Bridgwater hub for the Clevedon Learning Trust.

Executive headteacher Heather Good, who will also oversee Westover Green School, said: "It is just fantastic to be starting with a truly blank slate - the facilities are amazing, the classrooms are incredible - I feel very lucky to be here."

On Thursday, 43 children started and the plan is for a new class to start each year until the school reaches its 420 capacity.

Zoe Elder, director of education for Clevedon Learning Trust, said: "We have a great opportunity to collaborate and share expertise across the trust which includes Westover Green, Puriton and four primary schools in Clevedon."

CEO John Wells added: "It is quite impressive, we started this project in December, work began in January and we have managed to produce this by September.

"We feel like the trust works like a family of schools but we are very keen to ensure each one keeps its own identity."

A 26 place nursery for children age 30 months to 4 years will also be available at the school from January 2018.

For more information about the school email office@clevedonlearningtrust.org.uk or call 01278 422943.