A new Southgate primary school has celebrated its official opening.

Ashmole Primary School in Summit Way is an extension of the long-standing Ashmole Academy which was founded as a secondary school in 1958.

The new primary site, which welcomed 60 pupils on Monday September 12, hosted its official opening on Friday (September 23), the end of its second week.

Theresa Villiers, MP for Chipping Barnet, cut the ribbon at the ceremony as children released balloons in celebration.

Its current site is temporary building housing the two new reception classes – Calypso class is led by Miss Panayi and Orion class is led by Miss Costas.

The site incorporates the school office, the Head Teacher’s office and a group and medical room as well as an outdoor area for the children to play in.

Head teacher Chris Tofallis said: “The new children have settled in very well over the last two weeks and are all enjoying their new school setting.

“The new school will have many close links with the secondary school at Ashmole Academy over the years and this will be of huge benefit for us.

“Reception is a very important time for children’s development and the school will endeavour to ensure that all the children have a successful and fun filled year where everyone will be very proud of all their achievements.”

The school’s opening is the culmination of a campaign, started in 2013, to ease demand for schools places in the ‘black hole’ between the boroughs of Barnet and Enfield.