A new school has opened in Twickenham welcoming 140 Year 7 pupils through its doors.

The Richmond upon Thames School, located on Egerton Road, is governed by a trust made up of a variety of local organisations.

A partnership of Richmond upon Thames College, Haymarket Media Group, Harlequins, Clarendon School, Waldegrave School, Richmond Council and Achieving for Children, the Richmond upon Thames Trust came together in 2013 to create a campus on the existing College site.

Full planning permission was granted in 2016.

The aim of The Richmond Education and Enterprise Campus is to provide pupils with “unique access to real-world facilities” that will “transform their future employment potential and enhance both their personal and physical development”.

Leader of the council, Paul Hodgins described the mix on the Campus as a “unique opportunity to create a school in partnership with leading organisations in sport and media – with the expert guide of senior colleagues at Richmond upon Thames College”.

The new school is based in dedicated, interim accommodation inside Richmond upon Thames College, with the space now including classrooms, SEN facilities, dedicated outdoor provision and reception area.

Pupils will be taught by headteacher Kelly Dooley, who will be joined by Lee Cornwall and Pippa Wright as assistant headteachers along with a teaching staff team of eight.

Ms Dooley described the opening as a “landmark moment” for the school.

She said: “We are all incredibly proud to be part of creating history.

“The development shows what can be achieved through schools partnering with the further education sector, local authority, local community and local business.”

The new school building is “well underway” and construction is expected to be finished in June 2018.

Leader of the council, Paul Hodgins, added: “When the overall development is complete, we will have a Campus that not only is home to the school, but it will see new buildings for the college, purpose-built accommodation for Clarendon School and Haymarket.

“Bringing all of these together on a single site is going to ensure we provide modern education so our children are well equipped for the workforce they’ll be entering.”