An eagerly-awaited secondary school has finally opened its doors just in time for the new academic year.

Croxley Danes School, in Chenies Road, Chorleywood, welcomed its inaugural group of students today in an “historic” moment for the new school.

Students arrived for the first time in their new uniforms, took part in their first assembly led by Head teacher Stephen Thompson and enjoyed their first lessons.

Students Holly and Phoebe, from Croxley Green, called the school “calm, friendly and welcoming”, whilst Cameron described his first day as “exhilarating” and said he was looking forward to science lessons for the “explosions”.

For the first year the school will operate on the St Clement Danes School site in Chorleywood, but it will eventually move to a permanent site at the bottom of Baldwins Lane in Croxley Green, where the school will provide high-quality education to more than 1,200 students aged 11 to 18.

Dr Valentine, who is the Executive Head teacher and led the application to open the school at Hertfordshire County Council’s request, said: “I would like to pay tribute to the hard work of all those who have contributed to the considerable planning and preparation which goes into starting a new school and to the parents who, in huge numbers, put their faith in us by applying for a place.

“We are also grateful to those who have supported us in other ways including county and local councillors and our two local MPs Richard Harrington and David Gauke.

“The excitement of the students joining us today was palpable and we look forward to working with them for the next seven years.”

In February 2016, the Observer reported that parents had started a petition to get the school open.

Families were initially told the school would open in 2016 but complications with the chosen site delayed the opening.

Education chiefs also argued that south west Hertfordshire had enough secondary places in 2016, a claim that was disputed by parents.

Its failure to open meant that St Clement Danes School had to expand to accommodate more students.

Prospective parents interested in finding out more about the school can visit: www.croxleydanes.org.uk or attend its open evening on Tuesday September 26 at 7pm.