A vibrant carnival took over the playing fields of a Costessey school, as pupils celebrated their new £14m buildings.

Eastern Daily Press: Ormiston Victory Academy at Costessey. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYOrmiston Victory Academy at Costessey. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: copyright: Archant 2014)

The three-year project to replace outdated 1950s classrooms at Ormiston Victory Academy was completed this month, after the former buildings were demolished earlier this year.

And to mark the occasion youngsters were given an afternoon off yesterday, with bands performing on an outdoor stage and funfair attractions including bouncy castles, a tin can alley and a candy floss machine brought in.

Naomi Palmer, principal of Ormiston Victory Academy, said: 'It's amazing. You don't have to have a fantastic building to raise achievements and for pupils to feel valued, but they deserve it and if we can have one we're extremely fortunate to have it.'

Peter Murray, founder of the Ormiston Academies Trust, cut the ribbon to officially open the new buildings - with more than 35 classrooms.

Eastern Daily Press: Ormiston Victory Academy principal, Naomi Palmer, centre, celebrates the official opening of the school with a few of the students. Clockwise from front left, Josh Deeble, 15; Elliot Hunter, 17; Holly Twiddy-Ling, 15; George Fayers, 15; Peter Hunter, 15; and Jay Clayton, 15. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYOrmiston Victory Academy principal, Naomi Palmer, centre, celebrates the official opening of the school with a few of the students. Clockwise from front left, Josh Deeble, 15; Elliot Hunter, 17; Holly Twiddy-Ling, 15; George Fayers, 15; Peter Hunter, 15; and Jay Clayton, 15. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: copyright: Archant 2014)

And the fun began early, with a flash mob performance from the Victory Facade Singers before a celebration for the whole school and the wider community.

Holly Twiddy-Ling, 15, a year 11 student, said: 'It's really good how the facilities have changed since the old buildings.

'It's a shame that this is my last year at the school as I'd like to use them for longer.'

Rachel Hondora, 17, a sixth former, said: 'I feel really blessed and privileged to have such a facility to learn in.'

Teresa Smith, director of finance and operations, helped oversee the new-build project.

She explained that school bosses wanted a traditional red-brick building, with large classrooms, state-of-the-art science labs, light and airy art rooms and performing arts spaces.

'We've always felt we're an academy of the community and everyone deserves an outstanding learning environment,' she said. 'They've definitely got that now.'

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