STUDENTS will get their first lessons in a multi-million pound super school when it opens its door this week.

Year seven pupils and sixth formers will be starting Consett Academy on Wednesday with the rest of school joining throughout the week.

The purpose built facility boasts state-of-the-art science and technology facilities and adjoins the town’s new leisure centre and swimming pool.

The academy was formed in January 2012 on a split site by the merger of Moorside Community Technology College and Consett Community Sports College.

It was first proposed in 2006, but a lengthy legal and political battle delayed the start of work on the Belle Vue site, where the Civic Centre once stood.

Protesters argued the former steelworks site at Berry Edge was the best location, but the development was finally granted planning permission in March 2013.

Academy principal Kevin Reynolds said he is ‘absolutely delighted’ with the finished campus.

He said: “Four-and-a-half years ago I had a vision for a new school in Consett.

“With the advice and expertise of the architects and builders this vision has been realised.”

Information technology facilities include 1,200 computers, 400 laptops and 200 iPads, with £100,000 worth of sound and light equipment as well as a recording studio with green screen and 3D printing.

The Nucleus area has specialised audio visual equipment to deliver a fully immersive learning experience with vision, sound, light, smell, vibrations and temperature to help students learn about everything from volcanoes and rainforests to the World War One trenches.

There is also a discrete social area for year sevens in the academy building and outside with seats and benches for packed lunches.

Pupils will also be able to use the new leisure centre giving them access to the very best leisure facilities in the area.

Mr Reynolds said: “It will be a wonderful place in which to work and then relax at break and lunchtimes with a spacious central atrium which feels like a large conservatory.

“I think we now have the very best accommodation, teaching facilities and equipment of any school in the North-East.

“I am sure students will feel inspired and be prepared to push the boundaries of achievement in terms of their learning.

“However, I believe it is so much more than a new building. It is a forward thinking statement of a new vision for education in our area.”