Ashby's newest school opened its doors last week - and while it has just 14 pupils now, it is aiming for over 200 in years to come.

Plans for the new Ashby Hastings Primary School were announced by Leicestershire County Council less than two years ago.

It was described as an eco-friendly school and came in at a cost of around £5.5million.

Even though it was revealed just two months before the Covid pandemic forced a nationwide lockdown, building carried on and the new building wad delivered on time.

Our first article on Ashby Hastings appeared in early 2020, you can read that article HERE.

That was followed by news of work starting on the project HERE.

Work began on the school, originally called Holywell Spring Farm, last summer and here is how we reported that event HERE.

Earlier this year, the Symphony Learning Trust was chosen to run the new school just off Burton Road.

The school said: "The Symphony Learning Trust is proud to have opened the doors to its brand new free school in Ashby.

"The school, Ashby Hastings Primary School, is named after the Hastings family who built the castle in Ashby.

"It opened its doors last week to new foundation stage pupils, and hopes to grow quickly over the coming years to ease pressure on school places in the area."

Rachel Mckeown, Head of School, said '" am delighted to have this opportunity to open Ashby Hastings to our new FS pupils.

"They have made a super start and I am so proud of the school."

This will be the eighth primary school to join the successful Leicestershire-based Symphony Learning Trust.

Director of Primary Education for the trust, Matthew Brookes said: 'It has been a fantastic opportunity to open a brand new primary school.

"The Trust has worked closely with Leicestershire County Counciland the DfE to open the school on time, despite the restrictions of COVID-19 and we know that pupils will be happy in this fantastic new facility.'

The school has started with just 14 pupils in FS and hopes to grow to its 210 pupil capacity within a few years.

On Wednesday, October 6, at 6.30pm, the school will be holding an open evening for parents considering school places for September, 2022.

The closing date for applications is January 15, 2022.

At the meeting, you will be able to book a tour to look around the school, with or without your child, during the school day.

If you would like to attend, please email [email protected] to confirm your place.

The school says its new outdoor learning and play space was installed ready for when it opened last month.

It adds that the Foundation Stage pupils are enjoying the bright and cheerful space under a large canopy, making time outdoors achievable whatever the weather.