The opening of a new school that caters for kids with special needs has been hailed as a success for the area.

Brookways School officially opened in Cheam this week and will be offering places to kids on the autism spectrum for whom other education environments have not been able to meet their needs.

Head teacher Melanie Whitfield, was excited to get kids in and learning.

“The grand opening was a chance for the pupils to show their loved ones and other invited guests just how proud they are of their school and to celebrate the many successes they have already achieved, even in the short time the school has been open," she said.

"They were all specially chosen to be the first students as they will act as role models for the pupils who follow.

“Inviting a large number of people into the environment may have been challenging for some of the young people but they were all superb and were delighted to show people around their school.”

It is hoped the independent school will be able to enrol up to 40 students, from age 7 to 16.

MP Paul Scully was at the opening and talked glowingly about what this school would do for the area.

“There has been a shortfall of special educational needs provision in the area and the opening of Brookways is to be welcomed," he said.

"It is clear how proud the young people are of their school and how much they enjoy coming here.

"It was a pleasure to meet them and I was delighted to open the school.”