MORE than 1,000 students started lessons in their new school yesterday when the new £28million Newport High School opened its doors to pupils for the first time.

Former Bettws High School students, dressed in their new school uniforms piled through the doors when the school bell rang yesterday and thrilled staff spent last week getting their classrooms set up all ready.

Headteacher Gary Schlick said there was a real buzz from the students and staff who wanted to get in and take advantage of the phenomenal facilities.

He said: “This is the best secondary school in Wales so they ought to feel privileged.”

Mr Schlick said the old school's appearance and location made it difficult to attract people, but he hopes the community facilities at the new site will encourage more people to come and use them.

He said: “We want this school to be the school that everyone wants their child to go to.

“The quality of what goes on inside the school has improved incredibly over the last two years and will continue to do so.”

The school’s A* to C GCSE pass rate went from 29 per cent two years ago to 51 per cent last year.

He said he expects this rate to reach 67 per cent next year.

Mr Schlick added: “There will be no excuse for anybody not to achieve their potential in this school.”

Mr Schlick said they were fortunate to be involved in the design of the school building before an architect was appointed.

The students themselves had a large input with the student council giving their ideas on the food court and uniforms and asking for lockers.

An Estyn inspection in 2002 identified the old school building as impacting on the standards in the school and the idea of a new school was pushed forward by the council.

Demolition of the old school will start in a few weeks time.