The Bishop of London has officially opened a revamped primary school in North Kensington this week.

The Bishop of London, Dr Richard Chartres, blessed the new school building at St Thomas' Church of England Primary and was treated to performances from the primary school pupils - including poetry readings, a steel pan band and Morris dancing.

The primary school, which welcomes children drawn from Golborne Wood and the surrounding area, now benefits from a dance and music studio, a secure play area and a foundation stage unit specially designed for nursery and reception pupils.

The school - one of 149 Church of England Schools supported by the London Diocesan Board for Schools - has been redeveloped using an innovative funding model whereby the school is paid for using capital generated from the sale of long-lease flats built above the classrooms.

The London Diocesan Board for Schools has successfully used this funding model for schools across the diocese before, both at St Mary and St Pancras Primary School, Camden and St Jude and St Paul's Primary School, Islington.

At St Thomas' the board collaborated with property management and development group Places for People to create a housing and education facility that aims to benefit pupils and the wider community.

Dr Chartres said: "It was a pleasure to meet the pupils of St Thomas' Primary School and a real treat to watch their engaging and diverse performances.

"The tremendous commitment of the London Diocesan Board for Schools to the education of children is reflected in the growth and renewal of schools across the Diocese.

"Today St Thomas' Primary School provides an opportunity for us to celebrate these achievements."

Headteacher of St Thomas' Sarah Bouette said: "Our new facilities create a calm, pleasant environment which will enable children to learn and grow. I am delighted to welcome the Bishop of London to share with us in this wonderful celebration."

For more information on the Diocese of London visit www.london.anglican.org.