A new era for education in east Ipswich officially began on Tuesday as the first set of pupils at Ipswich Academy moved into their new building.

All the school’s pupils are expected to be in the new £16million facility, in Brazier’s Wood Road, by Thursday but lessons have already started at the development.

At the peak of construction, about 120 workmen were on the site each day, ensuring everything was ready in time and staff at the school are delighted with how it has turned out.

Principal, Nancy Robinson, said: “There is no waste of space, every part of the building is about learning.

“It is open and the atmosphere is just fabulous.”

Staff and volunteers were busily moving items and equipment over from the old Lindbergh Road site over the half term break in preparation for the big move.

Year seven and 11 pupils were the first to move in to the school on Tuesday and they will be followed by more pupils today with the last lot of pupils moving in on Thursday.

Ms Robinson added: “We worked really hard over half term, it has been a real team effort.”

“It went absolutely superbly. I have been really proud of the staff and the students.

“I think they are absolutely delighted.

“The younger ones are very excited and the older ones are really pleased as well.”

The new development boasts a series of state-of-the-art facilities designed to aid the learning experience of students.

Among the new facilities is an all-weather pitch, built to Football Association standards, a dance studio and a series of open-plan teaching areas.

The teaching areas comprise smaller colleges which are split according to age groups. It is hoped this split will make the transition to secondary school for Year Seven pupils easier.

Youngsters at the academy have also had a say on their new school by picking out colour schemes and furniture pieces.