Pupils in Watford welcomed a government minister to class today (Monday), as the Francis Combe Academy opened its doors for the start of term.

Baroness Delyth Morgan, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children, Young People and Families, toured the new academy alongside principal Nicky Williams and Watford MP Claire Ward.

They were joined by representatives of the academy's sponsors, West Herts College and the University of Hertfordshire.

Led by Year 8 students Katie Denyer and Cameron Inglis, both 12, Baroness Morgan visited the canteen during a busy lunchtime service, saw the freshly painted murals that have brightened corridor walls and challenged students at table tennis, as part of a Year 8 lunchtime social club.

Both pupils said they could already see the changes their school has undergone during the summer, as it transformed into one of the first academies in Hertfordshire.

As the bell rang for the end of lessons, halls filled with students wearing new black blazers featuring the academy logo. Boys wore yellow, red, silver and grey striped ties, while everyone could be spotted carrying a rucksack or shoulder bag sporting the academy logo.

Katie said: “The teacher's are now teaching us in different ways. Most people find that more exciting and enjoy going to lessons.”

Cameron added: “Out of lessons it feels much warmer with the different paints. There's sofas. It feels more like a second home.

“The uniforms are better than the old ones.”

Baroness Morgan said her visit was part of celebrations led by Education Secretary Ed Balls and the Prime Minister to recognise the “incredible success” of the government's academy programme.

There are now 200 across the country, with a target to establish 400.

She said: “We will not rest until all schools are good schools.

“I have been overwhelmed by the atmosphere, coming into this school full of vibrant young people, having their lunchtime but still working in the library, going round in a very well-behaved and purposeful manner. The atmosphere here is great. The transformation is self-evident.

“It's a great achievement for the headteacher and her team and it's a very, very promising beginning. There's a lot of work to do. The sponsors are very committed to taking the school forward and the work that's being done to listen to what children and young people want from the new buildings and how to make it work best for the staff.

“The community have been very strong behind supporting the school so we have a great recipe for success. I feel very proud to be able to come along and highlight the achievement that's going on here.“

Ms Williams, who has been at the school, in Horseshoe Lane, for three years, said it had been a “wonderful” first day.

She said: “We've always been a happy school but I feel there's an excitement here and the kids are very proud.

“We've done a lot in three years. Now we've got to do things bigger and better. The whole community is very excited.”

Ms Ward added: “Academy status hopefully marks a fresh start for Francis Combe after the trials and tribulations of the past. The achievement of both staff and pupils in improving standards in recent years has too often tended to be overlooked by negative publicity.

“There was a great atmosphere at the school this morning and I was impressed by the dedication and effort they have put into getting the school ready for the new term.

“This event also illustrates how educational standards of many schools in Watford have been improved by the investment put into them over the last ten years."