This North Liverpool school has officially opened its multi-million pound new home.

[ L to R - Cllr Nick Small, MP Stephen Twigg, pupil Megan, Headteacher Anne Pontifex,

Head girl Antonia, Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson, pupil Lauryn and Chair of Governors John Gibbons]

On Wednesday 3 July, St John Bosco Arts College welcomed Sr Connie Cameron FMA (Provincial), Fr Martin Coyle SDB (Provincial), Mayor Joe Anderson, MP Stephen Twigg, esteemed guests, and members from various Salesian communities to the official opening of its £18 million new school building.

Specialising in visual and performing arts, St John Bosco is one of 12 new secondary, primary, and special schools commissioned by Liverpool City Council under a £170 million city deal negotiated with the government.

Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson says: "I promised to deliver twelve new schools across the city when I became Mayor back in 2012, so I'm delighted we've arrived at another important milestone on this journey with the completion of the new St. John Bosco School.

It's important to me as Mayor - and to the city more generally - that we offer each child the best possible start in life by giving them with the best possible education. I know that pupils, staff and parents are absolutely delighted with the finished product. It will ensure generations of local children receive a top class education in magnificent new surroundings."

The building has received local and national acclaim through a number of awards, including the BDP George Grenfell Baines (GGB) Award and was shortlisted in this year's RIBA North West Awards.

The school building was designed by architect BDP and was built by contractor Vinci Construction. The school is based around a central heart space and includes two double height dance studios, drama studios, a fitness suite, as well as 3D immersive learning environments and super-sized science laboratories.

Local MP Stephen Twigg, one of the guests in attendance, says: "I've visited St John Bosco Arts College on numerous occasions and every time I come back I'm still impressed by the new building.

The school is a credit to the city and Liverpool City Council's investment and vision for education in this region.

Having met with pupils, staff and other members from the community today, it's clear to see everyone is delighted with the new facilities and is excited for the future."

Headteacher Anne Pontifex, added: "Our brilliant new £18 million school building is a wonderful environment for pupils and staff to thrive in. I'm incredibly proud of our building and the difference it has made to our whole school community."