BALLOONS soared into the skies above Brentford and Chiswick as a new independent school announced its opening in colourful style.

Kew House School officially opened its doors last Monday (September 9) by welcoming pupils from a variety of backgrounds across West London. It has opened in the building of the same name which stands close to Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre and Kew Gardens railway station on Chiswick High Road.

It had stood empty for five years after previously being rented by the Kraft food company and also by Richard Branson’s Virgin corporation.

Work to open the school, which is a sister site of Ravenscourt Park Prep and Kew Green Prep, began in January this year.

Within months the former open plan office had been transformed into a vibrant learning environment with state-of-the-art facilities including an outdoor games area, art studio, music suite, a design and technology department, science laboratories and a food technology room. There is also a modern restaurant and café where parents are welcome to have coffee with friends whilst waiting for their children to finish school.

The opening was performed by Ted Gardener, Chairman of London Preparatory Schools Ltd which owns all three schools. He thanked all those who helped the Kew House project reach its conclusion and wished the children the best for their future.

To begin the school, which has a capacity of 600, will have three classes in Year 7, and one each in Years 8 and 9 with a typical day consisting of four 1.5 hour long lessons.

Lessons and sporting fixtures are already well under way with the U12 A football team triumphing in an 8-0 victory at Northcote Lodge in Wandsworth last week.

Mark Hudson, the headmaster who previously worked at Thomas Telford School, Shropshire, said: "We wanted the school to have traditional values but to reflect a new and modern approach to education. Kew House School recognises this and brings a fresh and pioneering approach to school life. A broad and balanced curriculum is in place offering a full range of opportunities to the students."