PUPILS from Moore have been settling in to a new life at Halton's first free school.

Pupils and teachers moved into an innovative £12 million building for Sandymoor School, with space to accommodate 900 pupils aged 11 to 18.

The school opened two years ago in temporary premises and now has 176 pupils in years seven to 10 and 35 staff.

A sixth-form is set to be launched in September, 2015, and the school has pledged to share its facilities with the community.

Head teacher Andy Green-Howard, aged 45, a former physics teacher, quit as deputy head of Bolton Independent Day School to take up his post.

He said: "I did take a huge risk, giving up a safe, secure job, because I believe 100 per cent in this vision.

"This has been an opportunity in a million. It has been an amazing journey.

"In March, we had over 500 applications for four teaching posts which shows that we are now a school where people want to come and work.

"What is so invigorating and rewarding is that we have created a fresh approach to learning.

"We have become a beacon."

He said 70 per cent of pupils walk or cycle to school.

Children will grow fruit and vegetables in an organic allotment, learn how to keep bees and make honey.

Pupils will be encouraged to set up their own businesses and follow healthy lifestyles, served with freshly cooked food and drink throughout the day filling bottles from chilled water fountains.