NORTHWOOD College for Girls in Maxwell Road opened its doors for the first time today.

Headmistress Jacqualyn Pain was joined by the Deputy Mayor of Hillingdon, Cllr George Cooper, and other key guests to mark the occasion.

Northwood College and Heathfield School for Girls in Pinner announced in September 2013 they were to join forces to create the latest school in the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) network.

GDST has an outstanding record in innovation and standards of teaching.

Miss Pain said: “Good schools help their pupils to achieve the best possible grades, but outstanding schools such as Northwood College for Girls do more than this.

“We will equip our girls with the knowledge, skills and love of learning they need to exceed all expectations and truly flourish.”

There was frantic activity during the summer holiday at the Northwood campus to ensure the 930 girls arriving today would be welcomed by a new IT system and new classrooms.

Stage two of the redevelopment is still in its early progress, but rough sketches feature a permanent science block with 11 new classrooms and a new reception and entrance area.

Girls from both schools have had the opportunity to get to know each other over the past year with events and activities for all age groups at both Northwood and Heathfield.