Royal visitor to open Bideford school

THE Countess of Wessex will officially open a �3million upgrade at Broomhayes School in Bideford next month. HRH Sophie will be given a tour of the school and will meet staff and students before unveiling a commemorative plaque on Friday, September 10.

THE Countess of Wessex will officially open a �3million upgrade at Broomhayes School in Bideford next month.

HRH Sophie will be given a tour of the school and will meet staff and students before unveiling a commemorative plaque on Friday, September 10.

The royal visit will mark the completion of a new residential building and post-16 college, as well as the 25th anniversary of the National Autistic Society school.

The new accommodation block provides eight en-suite bedrooms set out in two interlocking houses with communal facilities and staff areas.

Along with the existing accommodation - which has also been upgraded - the school is able to cater for 34 residential students.

The new post-16 college will enable students to continue their education at the college once they reach the age of 16. Previously, 16 to 25-year-olds had to travel off site to continue their studies.