POWERSTOCK pupils will be celebrating as their new school finally opens next month.

A devastating blaze ripped through the main Grade II-listed building during October half-term in 2011.

The Rt Rev Nicholas Holtham, Bishop of Salisbury, will officially open the eagerly awaited new school to the delight of youngsters, parents and staff.

Headteacher Jean-Paul Draper praised the amazing level of support shown to the school since the incident.

He said: “After a long and sometimes difficult two year journey we are all really excited about our fantastically refurbished school.”

The blaze destroyed the main school room building, which dates back to 1848 although some of it dates back to the 16th century – with some features taken from a medieval church in West Milton.

Mr Draper added: “Through their hard work, our pupils will have classrooms fit for the 21st century yet still be able to reach out and touch the stone work from the old West Milton Church that the original school was built from.” The school was given the green light to build an extra classroom in its fire-hit Victorian building last January.

Mr Draper added: “I just can’t wait to see the faces of the children and parents as they see their new classrooms for the very first time.

“Powerstock School is a very special place, and I can’t thank enough all those who have helped us along the way since the disaster of the fire.”

Teachers and govenors have paid special thanks to those who helped following the blaze including local schools who lent equipment and the Powerstock Hut committee who let out the hall as a temporary classroom.

Many parents, pupils and staff members rallied together to raise much-needed funds following the fire.

Zoe Huckle, clerk to the governors at Powerstock School, said: “Restoring the building has been a long and arduous task, which has been overseen by our very hard-working headteacher and our chair of governors Dr John Davies.”

The opening ceremony will take place on Wednesday, October 2 at 2.15pm.

It will begin with a service for staff, pupils, governors and parents at Powerstock Church, attended by the Rt Rev Nicholas Holtam, Bishop of Salisbury and led by Reverend Jan Delaney.

After the service, all are invited into the school.