Keys for new schools handed over

St Sampson's will share a range of facilities with Le Murier

The keys to two new schools in Guernsey have been handed from the builders to the Education Department.

The ceremony at St Sampson's High School and Les Murier Special Needs School was held three weeks before pupils begin the new term.

St Sampson's head teacher Hazel Tetlaw said the new school was "overwhelming".

Last month, parents and pupils walked the route to the schools at Les Nicolles, devised by pedestrian safety group Living Streets.

St Sampson's High School will provide modern facilities for up to 720 students between the ages of 11 and 16.

Swimming pool

Le Murier Special Needs Secondary School will accommodate up to 130 pupils with a range of learning difficulties between the ages of 11 and 16, although in some cases pupils may remain at school until they are 19.

Le Murier will have its own entrance, head teacher, teaching and social facilities and identity, but it will share a central block of facilities including the sports hall, six-lane swimming pool, gym, climbing wall, changing rooms and covered atrium.

Outdoor grass and synthetic sports pitches will also be shared between the two schools and will be available for community use out of school hours.