An oversubscribed school has opened a new building, increasing their intake from 97 to 120 students in each year.

St Cecillia’s RC High School, in Longridge, has officially opened the new Saint Carlo Acutis building, with four new classrooms along with three internal classrooms being modified.

A special blessing and service was held by school staff and pupils to officially open the building.

They were also joined by a local priest from Alston Lane Parish, Canon Harry Doyle and the Chair of Governors, Mick Flynn – who cut the ribbon and performed the blessing.

During the special ceremony there were a selection of hymns and readings, including the school prayer and singing of the school hymn, ‘St Cecilia we celebrate you’, composed by Debbie Jones.

Headteacher, Helen Hall, said: “The new building extension will make such a huge difference to what we can offer pupils, parents and the community at our school.” 

Mrs Hall has been a teacher at the school for more than 20 years and four years as headteacher.

Pupils chose the name Carlo Acutis, a British-born Italian and website designer who documented Eucharistic miracles and approved Marian apparitions.

Students said: “Carlo Acutis serves as a powerful role model for teenagers, inspiring them to put their faith into action, especially in schools.

“He was a tech-savvy young man who used his passion for computers to share his love for the Eucharist, Carlo shows that faith can be integrated into modern life.

“His dedication to daily Mass, prayer, and helping others encourages teens to live out their values by promoting kindness, compassion, and service within their school communities.

“Carlo's life reminds teens that holiness is attainable at any age and that small acts of faith can make a big difference in the world.”

In the last two years St Cecilia’s has celebrated its best GCSE results in school history.