AN Oscar winning film star has helped an academy get off to a "great start" after its official opening.

The headteacher at King's Academy Binfield and Kings Academy Oakwood believes the school will go from "strength to strength" with the transformation of the two schools.

Sir Ben Kingsley visited the school, had a tour of the new facilities and unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark the event for years to come.

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Nick Cross, chief executive of King’s Group Academies, said: "We were delighted to welcome Sir Ben Kingsley to open the school.

"It is the culmination of a great deal of hard work invested by staff, children, young people, trustees and community partners.

"Under the leadership of executive headteacher, Sarah Howells, we are confident that both schools will go from strength to strength."

Year eight students guided the film actor through the school before enjoying a performance by the academy choir and dance company.

The school opened its doors to the area last year but officially launched on October 21.

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After the half-term break, the headteacher believes the school will give children an "outstanding education" and invaluable life-skills.

Sarah Howells, executive headteacher, said: "We have made a truly extraordinary start in our pursuit to give the children of North Bracknell an

outstanding education in a remarkable all-through school.

"The life skills, the passion, the discipline, the connectivity that the arts bring to all our lives, but especially what they can bring to our children must never be under estimated so to have Ben Kingsley, one of the finest ambassadors for, and doyens in the performing arts, to officially open our two academies could not have been more fitting for us."