Foreign Secretary David Miliband and Ofsted chief inspector Christine Gilbert were guests of honour at Whitburn C of E School yesterday.

The pair unveiled a plaque marking the school's official opening after taking a tour around the school and enjoying an special assembly.

During the service, headteacher Paula Williams said: "I would like to remind everyone that what works in education – hard work and a rigorous pursuit of the highest possible standards – also works in building, design and construction.

"That also includes laughter, determination and a focus on people, in our case the wonderful young people of Whitburn, to whom this magnificent building has been given."

The new £22m school opened to students after the Easter break and boasts cutting-edge education facilities and the latest technology, including fingerprint recognition registration.

Mr Miliband told the assembly: "It's a huge privilege and honour to be here.

"Every time I have been in this school over the last seven or eight years I have felt a sense of excitement, a sense of inspiration and a sense of pride.

"I have to say as I came down the driveway and looked through the school to the sea, you feel a sense of wonderment and I believe that is the heart of an effective education system.

"That sense of inspiration is something that every one of you should feel."

Ofsted rated every aspect of Whitburn C of E School as 'outstanding' following its recent inspection.

Ms Gilbert told students: "I want to pay tribute to what you have been doing to create this terrific school.

"Ofsted inspects every school in the country. We inspect roughly 6,000 to 7,000 a year.

"I have not read the reports for all those schools, but I have read yours, and it was terrific.

"Build on what you have achieved, well done on what you have achieved and I look forward to Ofsted inspectors coming back and it being even better."