A SCHOOL which delayed opening for two years after struggling to pull in the necessary number of pupils has announced it will finally open in September.

Gagle Brook Primary School, the first eco town school to be built in Bicester, will throw open its doors after lying empty for months.

The announcement from school sponsors, The White Horse Federation, comes after the school failed to open last September after only attracting interest from 10 potential students.

It was the second time the school, which is in the Elmsbrook site as part of phase one of development in the North West Bicester eco town, had to delay its opening.

It had aimed to admit its first pupils in September 2016 but this date was missed for the same reason.

Nick Capstick, of The White Horse Federation, said: "We are delighted to confirm Gagle Brook Primary School will open on September 4, 2018, and extend our sincere thanks to Oxfordshire County Council for its support as we work toward the opening.

"We have great ambitions for the school, so while current admissions are limited to Reception and Nursery-aged children we look forward to accepting admissions for additional year groups once class sizes ensure we are able to deliver a broad and balanced curriculum for the benefit of every pupil."

The school will be led by headteacher Alan Derry, who has been working during the delay as interim principal at sister school Southwold Primary School.

Pupils will be taught a curriculum heavily based on the environment and sustainability, as the school has been built to have a minimal carbon footprint.

It includes features such as a 'grey water system' using rain water to flush the toilets and a kitchen garden for pupils to grow their own food for school lunches.

Following the lack of applications a community campaign was launched to encourage parents to show an interest in sending their children to the school, allowing it to open this year.

Oxfordshire County Council cabinet member for education, Hilary Hibbert-Biles, said: "This is really great news for everyone associated with Elmsbrook, North West Bicester.

"Through the combined efforts of The White Horse Federation and Oxfordshire County Council, Gagle Brook Primary School will be the first new school to open and serve this new community in Bicester, set in a purpose-built sustainable environment."

Following the announcement, staff at the school will hold a parents and community evening at Gagle Brook Primary School on March 22 to talk about the opening.

Members of the public can head along to talk to staff members about school plans and the services it plans to offer.

It will run from 6pm, for more details see gaglebrook.org.uk