PUPILS will return to a brand new school this term as Christ the Word Catholic School opens its doors.

The £23million school in Rhyl will welcome year four, year six, year seven and year 10 on Friday, September 6 and year two, three, nine and 11 on Monday, September 9.

Reception and year one, year five and year eight will start on Tuesday, September 10.

The school is being led by headteacher Amanda Preston and will support pupils from the age of three to 16.

The school ethos is based on the Gospel values of Faith, Hope and Love.

In August, tours were conducted at the school. Bishop Peter has given out pocket editions of the gospel and pupils will be given one each.

On August 29, 150 members of the community joined in the tour.

Mrs Preston said: “It is fantastic and I am thrilled to be involved.

“I have been on this journey since Easter and been in and out the building since then. It is really exciting. We have shared learning facilities such as the chapel, gym, theatre and music room.

“The rooms are big and airy. It is open and we want as much natural light as possible. The walls are painted in calming colours.

“One of my main visions is to show we are one school. There is an upper and a lower school, but we are one.”

Christ the Word is replacing Ysgol Mair and Blessed Edward Jones Catholic High School.

Cllr Huw Hilditch-Roberts, Denbighshire County Council’s lead member for Education, Children’s Services and Public Engagement, said: “I’m delighted to see the completion of this brand new school.”