PUPILS and staff welcomed members of the community to the grand opening of their newly amalgamated school.

Charles Williams Church in Wales Primary School in Caerleon, Newport, officially opened their doors to members of the community yesterday. Two schools previously known as Caerleon Endowed Juniors and Caerleon Endowed Infants joined together in April this year to form the new primary.

After a service at St Cadocs Church, school children from the nursery up to Year 6 gathered outside the building along with members of the community, including Mayor of Newport, Councillor Matthew Evans and Bishop of Monmouth, Richard Pain. Pupils, whilst singing hymns and each holding a section of the ribbon that stretched right around the playground, watched the Bishop tie a knot in the ribbon to symbolise the coming together of the two schools.

Head boy ten-year-old Sam Evans said, “I think the two schools joining is a good idea as it gives younger children a chance to bond with the older pupils.” Head girl Katie Thirsk, aged ten, agreed and liked that everyone had the same uniform.

The school is named after Charles Williams and was founded in 1724 after he made a £5000 endorsement to the school along with a pledge to ensure the children of Caerleon would be taught the principles of Christian religion.

Newly appointed Head Teacher, Jared Nolan was very optimistic about the amalgamation, “It’s a pretty joyous occasion.

“It’s amazing to see the whole school and the community coming together.”

Bishop Richard Pain said, “I think it’s an excellent idea.

“Part of the new school will be about keeping the core values, the community and the school working well together and establishing a friendship.”