EXCITED pupils became stars of prime-time TV as Rudheath Senior Academy opened the doors to their stunning new-look school buildings.

A film crew from Granada visited the Middlewich Road school to capture the reactions of children returning to the school full-time, which has undergone a £3m rebuild following extensive fire damage in early 2018.

The now-completed first phase of the project features six new classrooms brimming with state-of-the-art IT equipment, a new entrance, a staff hub, new office space and revamped gardens.

Despite the strict new procedures designed to keep everyone safe from the threat of coronavirus, students were clearly excited to be back.

Pupil Paige Keen told Granda Tonight: "It's a lot different, even the look of the school, and we know all the precautions have been put into place to protect us.

"But just being back now just shows us how much we missed it, the different people, the teachers, the resources, they are all great."

Fellow Rudheath student Flip Losinski added: "The staff members are supporting us constantly and telling us to remember to wash our hands and keep our distance as much as we can."

The next phase of redevelopment is expected to be completed early next year and is designed to ensure Rudheath emerges from the fire, bigger and better than ever.

Chester-based North West Academies Trust (NWAT), which took over the academy’s management in November 2018, has a record of transforming schools and is one of the highest performing trusts in the country.

NWAT have reopened doors at all their schools across Cheshire and Shropshire and have been delighted with the way things have gone.

CEO Steve Docking said: "We are seeing an enthusiasm for learning like never before, children have mixed with their friends again and done all the things we took for granted prior to lockdown.

"At Rudheath especially it has been a special time because of the vast improvements we have made, and everyone is looking forward to a happy and positive school year ahead."

Open events will be held throughout October, please contact the school to arrange an appointment.

For more information about Rudheath Senior Academy, visit their website, email: office_admin@rudheathsenioracademy.org.uk or tel: 01606 42515.