A MONTH after moving in, pupils at Gelliswick VC say they love their new £12m school.

Milford Haven's newest primary school sees the amalgamation of Hakin Infants, Juniors, and Hubberston.

After officially joining forces under the new name in September 2017, just under 500 pupils walked through the doors of their new home for the first time on January 10.

Headteacher Nick Dyer said: "The children from day one have been very calm, they feel a sense of involvement in the process, and feel respect and pride that this has been built for them.

"They feel that this is their school."

"It's been decades since this part of Milford Haven has had any kind of investment, so the response has been very positive from everyone," he added.

With two new school halls, a purpose built library overlooking Gelliswick Bay, and dedicated community room for use by parents and families, the building has everything it needs to serve the area, with plenty of room to grow.

Separate outdoor play spaces for nursery and primary pupils mean children can have fun at break time with those their own age.

A special sensory room is also in development, meaning those with extra needs can relax and learn in a different way.

New furniture, bright clean walls and large windows lend the building an airy and bright feel.

"It's so well built, and the children have so many different spaces in which to learn," said teacher Delyth Evans.

"They love the classrooms and have quickly made new friends from the other sites, which is wonderful."

Work to integrate pupils from the three sites began last year, with children taken to visit other classes, and going on trips and picnics together.

And what do the children think of it?

"The view out of the window is cool, I like to look at the ocean and see the boats," said one.

School council member George Coates-Johnson, aged nine, said: "The new hall is great, it's big enough for everyone.

"In the old hall we were a bit squashed."

Said Tia Slattery, nine: "I love the new whiteboards, you can draw on them and the teachers can show us videos and games."

"I like the water fountains, you can get a drink whenever you want," added 11-year-old Holly Pyart.

Gelliswick VS is one of several locals schools which have been built, or are being built, under the 21st Century Schools programme – a £120 million initiative between Pembrokeshire County Council and the Welsh Government.