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The finishing touches are being made to Harlow’s newest secondary school as it prepares to welcome its very first cohort.

Sir Frederick Gibberd College is being opened in the town by BMAT to provide a solution to the critical shortage of school places.

A group of 120 Year 7 students have signed up to attend the brand-new school and will make history as they attend their first day on September 9.

Headteacher Dee Conlon is eager to start living the dream she has held for the last couple of years.

Speaking to her at Burnt Mill Academy on results day, she said: “I just keep thinking this will be us in five years and I can’t wait to get started.”

“Being a headteacher is incredible, but ultimately in my soul I am a teacher and I can’t wait to start teaching our first cohort.”

Parents of Sir Frederick Gibberd students have been collecting uniforms, while finishing touches such as IT and furniture are made to the building ahead of opening day.

A team of newly appointed teachers have taken part in teambuilding activities and week one for students will involve orientation activities.

Mrs Conlon said: “We have a whole host of external agencies coming in to work with our pupils during Orientation Week and we will be going on our first school trip.

“Orientation Week will become a tradition going forward for Year 7 and Year 12.”

Sir Frederick Gibberd opens in temporary accommodation next to Burnt Mill Academy before moving to its permanent site when it is built by the Department for Education.

Mrs Conlon said: “I was amazed by how good the building looked when I first saw it. The children are going to enjoy working in there. If the temporary building looks like this, I can’t wait to see the permanent building. Of course, it is great to have a new building, but ultimately it is what goes on inside it and the adults you have in front of the children that make the difference. We have an incredible group of teachers who share my vision and they are eager to start teaching our children.”