THE NEW headteacher of Churchfield's Junior School has spoken of her sadness over the planned demolition of the much-loved Victorian building.

Wendy Thomas has had a busy few weeks since taking over from her long-serving predecessor David Worrall during the summer - with construction of the new school already well underway.

The £10million project was originally rubber-stamped in 2004 but was delayed for five years due to rising building costs - much to the frustation of parents and staff.

Ms Thomas, 50, said she is looking forward to moving into the new state-of-the-art facility when it is finished in September next year, but will mourn the loss of the current 130 year-old school building which will finally be pulled down in 2011.

She said: "The current school is a symbol for the area, and is loved by many people here, both staff and parents - and is one of the oldest buildings in South Woodford.

"It is an iconic building, but we need more space. It is a bit tired now and needs to be replaced.

"Our year six students are having to learn in mobile classrooms which have been here since the 1970s which is not ideal.

"If there was any way to keep the old school building we would have done so, but it was just not possible."

Ms Thomas, who has been 'overwhelmed' by the hard work and enthusiasm of staff and pupils since she arrived at the school, said the new building would provide pupils with an ideal learning environment.

She said: "The new school will be a wonderful place to teach in and for the children to learn in.

"I can't wait for us to get settled in there."