£37m learning village opens doors

The village brings together pupils from three schools

A £37m education village which will bring 1,400 pupils from three schools together has opened for the first time.

The centre in Darlington, which will cater for pupils aged between two and 19, was unveiled on Friday.

State-of-the-art facilities include a 25m swimming pool and hydrotherapy pool, a village green for outdoor performances and dance studios.

Beginning on Monday, guided tours of the centre will be held throughout March. Pupils will move in on 24 April.

The new village will house pupils from Springfield Primary School, Haughton Community School and Beaumont Hill Technology College.

The project also includes interactive music therapy rooms and a centre for the vocational training of 14 to 19 year olds.

There will also be a soft play room, a dedicated parents' room and 550 computers throughout the building.

Councillor Chris McEwan, Darlington Council's cabinet member for Children's services, said: "Darlington is leading the way in education with this development."