IT really is a case of new year, new beginnings for one local primary school.

St John’s CE Primary, Kearsley, opened its gates this month to unveil a new look school .

Children arrived at school resplendent in their new uniform to find an improved playground and new signs bearing the school's brand new logo.

This followed a consultation with staff, pupils and parents about giving the school a makeover to reflect the future was bright for children.

This was followed by a competition to design a new school emblem incorporating what the church school represented.

The new motto reads “Striving for excellence. Trusting in God”.

Headteacher Suzanne Howard said: “Pupils, parents and staff feel this motto accurately reflects the school.

“The new emblem represents how the school remains a welcoming and safe place in which to learn.

She added: “Staff and governors valued the wisdom of parents in the consultation on the changes to the uniform, and the children look so bright and fresh in their new uniforms.

“From the consultation process the school’s mission statement was amended to provide a clear message. “

Pupils said not only did they like their new look, saying they felt very smart, they were impressed with improvements at the school including the new library and reading corners.

Staff also gave their seal of approval to the changes. They said the new uniform instilled a sense of pride and introducing different ties for prefects “boosts pride and importance for their role and lifts the profile of the children”.

St John’s CE is now an Ofsted rated good, with inspectors reporting that pupils say they “love lessons” which are “enjoyable but educational at the same time”.

The school was also described as “warm and caring”.