AFTER months of fundraising, St Catherine's School has officially opened its new all-weather sports court.

Students at St Catherine's School for children and young people with speech, language and communication needs were delighted to attend the official opening recently.

Having raised over £60,000 through donations, including a £40,000 grant from the Downlands Educational Trust, the new pitch will be used for football and volleyball and other sporting activities.

After a short speech from acting principal, Amanda Ellison, thanking those who supported the fundraising, student Josh cut a ribbon to open the gates of the court.

Celebrations continued with a friendly match between St Catherine's and St George's School, which the home team won 5-2.

“Thank you to everyone who supported our fundraising for this wonderful addition to St Catherine's," said Amanda.

"Our aim at St Catherine's is to support and enable our children and young people to achieve more than they ever thought possible.

"This new area will support us to deliver this aim by allowing us to hold a new range of activities to help our students reach their sporting potential."

St Catherine’s is a national charity working with children and young people with speech, language and communication impairments, and its residential centre on the Isle of Wight encompasses both the specialist main school and a sixth form centre.