A school has opened a new building after a shortfall in places threatened to leave pupils without anywhere to study.

The Archer Academy, in Beamont Close, Finchley, is getting ready to welcome students to its new Stanley Road campus.

The £12million development was paid for by the Education Funding Agency and a £500,000 donation from the London Marathon Charitable Trust.

Just four years ago, teachers and parents held a meeting to discuss a severe shortfall in places – something which no longer poses a problem at the Archer Academy.

It includes an indoor climbing wall, three science laboratories, an art and design studio and a recording studio.

Headteacher Designate Lucy Harrison added: “It’s been wonderful to see the excitement and enthusiasm of students and staff as they have returned from recent visits to our Stanley Road campus.

“We are thrilled with our new building and the state-of-the-art learning facilities that they will provide for our growing school community.

“We are also incredibly proud of everything we have achieved as a school to date; the future certainly looks very bright as we move into our third academic year.”

Chairman of governors Avis Johns said: “It’s just four years since we held the first public meeting to discuss a shortfall in secondary places; and now we’re getting ready to welcome our third cohort of students to our gleaming new Stanley Road campus.

“We’re delighted to have delivered on our promise to the community to provide local children from all backgrounds with an exciting, ambitious education that allows them to reach their full potential.”