THE first three Barnet primary schools to benefit from a landmark Government-council rebuild project will open their doors next week.

The Hyde Primary School in The Hyde, West Hendon, and Parkfield Primary School, in Park Road, Hendon will open on Monday, having been fully rebuilt.

The radical design of Whitings School, in Whitings Road, will act as a blueprint for the three remaining schools due to be rebuilt over the next year as part of Barnet Council's First Class Schools scheme.

The 420-pupil school, which opens on September 10, will feature a new swimming pool and sports hall, both available for community use.

Solar panels, ground source heat pumps, a small wind turbine and rainwater collection tanks will make the school one of the greenest in the borough.

Overall, 20 per cent of the building's energy needs will be met from renewable sources.

Councillor Fiona Bulmer, cabinet member for children's services, said: "The school has a really innovative design. It has a wonderfully curved roof and will be a real landmark in Barnet - a great change from the horrible classic primary school that was falling to bits before.

"It will also be fantastic for the community, who will be able to use its sports and swimming facilities."

The mass refurbishment was part of a £3.55 billion investment scheme announced by the Department for Children, Schools and Families last year.

The remainder of the cash needed for the project has been generated through selling off school land, further grants, contributions from developers and borrowing.

A topping out ceremony at Broadfields Primary School, in Broadfields Avenue, Edgware, will be held on September 10.

East Barnet Secondary School, in Chestnut Grove, East Barnet, and Northway and Fairway schools, in The Fairway, Mill Hill, are all under construction.