THE Countess of Wessex officially opened Hollywater School in Bordon on Wednesday which is specifically designed for pupils with complex learning difficulties. She was given a tour of the school by headteacher Barbara Livings and turned on a new water feature before unveiling a plaque to commemorate the occasion. After receiving an ovation from the audience, the countess was presented with a card and a bouquet of flowers from Hollywater schoolchildren. The new seven million school situated just inside Headley parish has 13 purpose-built classrooms as well as specialist rooms for ICT, music and drama, food technology and technology and life skills for its 120 pupils. Hampshire County Council leader Ken Thornber said: "This is a memorable day for pupils and staff at Hollywater, and indeed the local community. "The school opened last year and the headteacher has told me it is everything that they wanted it to be, providing an ideal environment for the children attending the school to achieve their full potential. "The plaque unveiled by the Countess of Wessex will be a lasting reminder of the infancy of the school, which will hopefully become an integral part of many children's lives." The school also owns a hydrotherapy pool, a soft play room, a multi-sensory room and medical and therapy rooms. In its grounds it possesses two adventure play areas, sports courts and an all-weather playing field. As well as the leader of HCC being in attendance, Lord Lieutenant Mrs Mary Fagan, The High Sheriff, the chairmen of HCC and East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) and the headteacher were among those welcoming The Countess of Wessex. Lord Lieutenant Mrs Mary Fagan was delighted that the Countess of Wessex was carrying out the official opening and was "sure Her Royal Highness will not only be impressed by the building but also by the pupils and staff at the school". Chairman of school governors James Hobbs told the crowd that even though Hollywater has existed for 500 years and more, the school is the only one worldwide with its name. Adam Carew, who is county councillor for Whitehill and Bordon, said: "It was a great pleasure to meet Sophie Wessex and to be invited to the opening of our fabulous new school here in Hollywater. "The children (who range from the ages of two to 19) clearly enjoy the excellent new facilities of the school and its lovely pastoral setting and I was particularly impressed with the sheer dedication of the staff and classroom assistants. "The countess obviously has a very keen interest in the subject and is passionate about keeping specialist schools open."
