There was joy as students, staff and special guests united for the grand opening of a new school.

Horizon School unveiled its "wonderful facilities" during a special ceremony that included invited guests.

The pupil referral unit, which teaches children who require alternative provision, is an amalgamation of four other units in north Suffolk and is now able to offer both primary and secondary provision on one site in Lowestoft.

Based at Saturn Close in Lowestoft, and with the strapline to 'Make each day a new Horizon', it can cater for 102 students.

Suffolk County Council received planning permission for the development in February 2022 and work began in July 2022.

After opening to students in spring of this year, a ribbon was ceremonially cut at the grand opening last Friday.

Suffolk County councillor Rachel Hood, cabinet member for education, SEND and skills, said: "It is wonderful to see this new school bursting with life.

“Students are able to make the most of these exceptional facilities and benefit from inspirational teaching, suited to and targeted at their needs.

"It has already made an enormous difference to the local community and I wish staff and students the very best for the future."

Diane Chester, interim headteacher, said: “Our vision is to provide the best education and experience to support every child to achieve their full potential.

“Our wonderful facilities provide the ideal environment for us to achieve this for the children of north Suffolk and ensure that they are better prepared to be successful in their mainstream school or in the next step of their journey."

With Horizon School the result of the merger of Harbour Pupil Referral Unit, The Attic Pupil Referral Unit, First Base Pupil Referral Unit and Old Warren House Pupil Referral Unit, the school was built by Barnes Construction and project managed by Concertus.

The extension comprised a new stand-alone block, with six new classrooms and a new food technology room, a sensory room, a hall, movement therapy room and a studio.