It is just one of the new facilities provided at the school in the first and major phase of its expansion under the Norfolk Schools Project, and a symbolic handing over of the keys took place to celebrate the occasion.

Headteacher Jeni Barnacle said the first phase work, which contractor May Gurney began last July, has provided a new classroom, hall, library, reception office, head's room, staff room, toilets and kitchen servery.

"The ceremony was about the children and families coming in and seeing it. Everyone was surprised how big it is inside because it doesn't look like that from outside – it's like walking into Dr Who's Tardis," she said, but without a Dalek in sight.

"There's space for all of us and to see the children's faces was a delight. Every class teacher had worked hard to set their rooms up so everyone could see them at their best, with flowers and plants everywhere."

Year Six pupils Connor Alderton and George Anderson-Bush, who have been at St Andrew's from pre-school days, were chosen to cut the ribbon and receive the keys from May Gurney's site manager Bill Ralf as they will be at high school next term and will miss the official opening of the school's extension in September.

Miss Barnacle said the school worked closely with the architect Gavin McFarlane, of Feilden and Mawson, to choose a linking colour scheme throughout.

"There's white everywhere to give a feeling of space and purple as a statement wall in each of those spaces because the classroom and hall are very high with a sloping gable end," she said. Royal blue, the school colour, also features strongly.

In the second phase, which will be carried out during the summer holiday, the existing building will be joined to the extension by an enclosed corridor along the back of the old building.

The headteacher said: "There will also be a revamp of the existing building and upgrading of its toilets, a remodelling of the library office into a multi-purpose space and double-glazed windows to go in the classrooms."