Year 13 students at Kenilworth School have said the new Glasshouse Lane site has brought new opportunities to young people in the town.

The school moved from its two sites on Leyes Lane and Rouncil Lane in September to the new £56 million facility, bringing together students of all ages.

Eventually 2,200 local young people will head to the new school every day to access the Outstanding education it offers.

And speaking at last week's Kenilworth Community Forum, sixth form pupils from the school told residents how much of an impact the new building has already had.

"My whole family has gone through the school. I have loved my time at the school and I have got involved in a bunch of stuff through the years, which has been great," said year 13 pupil Celine. 

"I have got to see the school both at the separate sites and now in the conjoined ones. 

"The transition was really smooth from the students, but I know the teachers were working really hard to make it so."

She added: "I have also had the opportunity on this site, which we wouldn't on the old ones, to rehearse with the younger students for the talent show, and to mentor some of the younger kids to help with their confidence. 

"I also get to walk to school with my little sister, which is great, seeing her getting involved in school life."

Students have been able to help shape the design of the new school (image by James Smith)

Teachers at Kenilworth School have also tried to get the students involved in developing the new site.

In particular the school's Eco Committee - led by the older pupils - has been working to reduce the school's carbon footprint.

"A lot of the committee last year were just talking about what would happen in the new school, but now we can assess everything, we can connect with the younger years so much easier," said Eco Committee member Liv. 

"We can talk to the caretakers and the site managers who are helping us with what we want to do and it has just been so much easier, having everyone around us."

Residents at the community forum also heard from new headteacher Darren Nicholas, who took over in September in time for the move across town.

He told locals how proud he was of the new site, and what a huge opportunity it presents for local young people.

The new school has brought all year groups together in one building (image via KMAT)

"Kenilworth School has a long history of excellence," Mr Nicholas told the forum. 

"But one of the greatest achievements it has accomplished in the past few years is the transfer from the Leyes Lane and Rouncil Lane sites to a brand new purpose built school on Glasshouse Lane.

"What it does is create a real warmth inside. 

"It is future proofing the education of young people in a world that is changing on a regular basis. 

"Most importantly what the new school will offer to the children of Kenilworth is that holistic education. 

"It is really important that we get that balance right, that we give every opportunity for them to have academic success, but also let them know the role they will have in the world to make it a better place."

Following the forum, Kenilworth Multi Academy Trust CEO Hayden Abbott said: "I am delighted that our older students are taking advantage of this opportunity on a single site, to develop their leadership skills by working with younger students.

"This will improve collaboration, cohesion and teamwork which will inspire younger students, including those yet to join Kenilworth School for their future education."