Pupils and teachers celebrated the re-launch of Garston Manor School following a £5million cash injection from the government.

The secondary school for children with special educational needs in has been completely renovated over the past 11 months as part of the government’s Priority School Building Programme.

The new-look single-storey building in Horseshoe Lane features new classrooms, a dining area and hall, as well as indoor and outdoor learning and support areas to cater for pupil’s needs.

Speaking at Wednesday’s re-launch, John Singh, the school’s chair of governors, said: "The community that Garston Manor serves has every reason to be delighted with their new school. 

"The staff and pupils now have an excellent teaching and learning environment designed and built to meet the particular needs of the very special children that the school serves. 

"There is little doubt that the spacious new building and the opportunities it offers will contribute significantly to the progress that they, the pupils, will make both educationally and socially."

Garston Manor is one of 261 schools to benefit from the PSBP scheme - a £2.4bn project to rejuvenate the country’s most run down and tired school buildings. 

In total, six new PSBP schools are now open, 42 schools are currently under construction and design work has begun at 257 schools. 

All schools will be delivered by the end of 2017 - two years earlier than originally planned, the Department for Education said.

Schools Minister David Laws MP said: "The official opening today of Garston Manor School is a fantastic achievement.

"Delivering great new schools will help to build a stronger economy and a fairer society, so that every young person in Watford can get on in life. 

"I hope the new school facilities will provide an inspirational learning environment that will encourage every student to reach their full potential."