‘THE end but a new beginning’ was how headteacher Stuart McLeod described the final assembly at Southwell Primary School.

The school will reopen as the Southwell Campus of the Isle of Portland Aldridge Community Academy (IPACA) in September.

Past and present governors, teachers and Portland Mayor Coun Sylvia Bradley were present at the assembly along with people who have had a long association with the school.

These included Coun Les Ames and Mr Stuart Morris who, as county councillor and town Mayor of Portland at the time, officially opened the school on July 4, 1980.

Mr McLeod told the assembly: “Today marks the end of Southwell Primary School and all of our guests present have played an important part in its success over the years.”

“Now we look forward to a new begining for education on Portland.”

As a souvenir of Southwell Primary School days, Mr McLeod was presented with the school flag.

The company also heard an account of their association with the school from current chairman of governors Mr David Louch and former deputy head Mr John Bennett before slides were shown following the progress of the school from when it was a building site to the present day.

Stuart Morris told all present: “This is a big but sad day as Southwell Primary has been such a special school within the village community.”

He concluded: “I have some doubts about the location of the new academy but every educational establishment is just as good as its teachers and our teachers are excellent.”