THE new Junior School at St Benedict’s, Ealing, was opened on Tuesday by Prof Francis Campbell, Vice-Chancellor of St Mary’s University, Twickenham.

Prof Campbell told pupils they should always remember the three elements of People, Place and Prospect at St Benedict’s.

People, he said, created the school’s ethos, which hit you as soon as you walked through the door.

Secondly, the school’s location beside Ealing Abbey was a constant reminder it is part of the 1,500 year old Benedictine tradition and that Catholic education is the largest provider of education worldwide.

Finally, he encouraged pupils to feel excited about their prospects, to take inspiration from former pupils who had walked there before them and who were now successful in all walks of life, doing the things they loved.

The new building is an energy-efficient Passivhaus construction.

There are currently only a handful of schools in the UK built to this standard.

A timber frame provides a high degree of insulation, making the building up to 96% more energy efficient than older school buildings.

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Air quality, temperature and good oxygen levels are maintained by using heat recovery ventilation, helping everyone to stay alert.

All classrooms, for children aged 3-11  are south-facing for good natural light and can be opened up to provide larger spaces for team-teaching and shared learning.

There is also a home economics room and direct access to landscaped outdoor learning and play areas.

Abbot Martin Shipperlee blessed the new building after which Prof Campbell unveiled a commemorative stone.

Guests included pupils, parents, alumni, staff and governors, who were welcomed by the headmaster, Andrew Johnson.

The head of the Junior School, Rob Simmons, thanked everyone who had contributed to its successful completion.