Dormers Wells High School, Southall, was officially opened on Monday 24 June by economist and BBC broadcaster Evan Davis.

Evan joined students, staff, governors and local politicians in celebrating the new school building and grounds.

The £30 million project is part of Ealing Council’s Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme. Work started in February 2011 and students moved into the completed building in September 2012.

The official opening celebrated the completion of the building and sports facilities and looked back on the fight to build the school after the BSF programme was cancelled.

An audience including head teacher, Maggy Aylott, council leader, Councillor Julian Bell, cabinet member for children and young people, Councillor Jasbir Anand and local MP Virendra Sharma listened to Dragon’s Den presenter. programme was cancelled.

He praised the school design and wished the staff and students success as they begin a new chapter. He then unveiled a plaque that will be permanently displayed in the school’s reception.

The building designed by Nicholas Hare architects and built by Balfour Beatty is modern, light and spacious. It houses business suites which are available for the local community to hire, and the borough’s only hearing impaired unit for secondary school pupils.

The main features of the new school site are 515 extra school places, specialist hearing impaired unit, Business and ICT suites available for hire and significant ICT investment.

Evan Davis said: "Today is about this amazing new building, but it’s a day to also celebrate the school, by which I mean the students, staff and teachers. Your new building is here as a sign of confidence your future. The builders and architects have done their job, but the rest is down to you and I wish you luck in that."

Maggy Aylott, head teacher of Dormers Wells High School, said: "We are delighted by our light and airy new building which has wonderful teaching areas. The overall feel and quality of the building is more like a university, which is proving to be an inspiration to our students."

Councillor Jasbir Anand, cabinet member for children and young people, said: "I am delighted that the students and staff of Dormers Wells High School are able to work and study in such a bright and inviting environment."