A NEW £7m science centre at the School of St Helen and St Katharine in Abingdon was officially opened by a world-renowned geneticist.

Dame Kay Davies, of Oxford University’s Hertford College, cut the ribbon on the new facility which boasts 12 laboratories.

She was then given some demonstrations by students Natalie Gleeson and Harriet Seymour, who have been getting themselves familiar with the new labs since the start of the autumn term.

Headteacher Bernadette Stubley said: “The strong take-up of science subjects isn’t pushed by teachers, but we do think that as we are an all-girls school that there is less of a preconception as to what subjects they should take.

“Our new building has touch screen computers and each floor is dedicated to one of the sciences, chemistry, biology and physics.

“We also now have a beautiful atrium which gives the school a great space to hold events.”

Tuesday’s opening event started at 3pm, with acting headmistress Bernadette Stubley welcoming a cohort of official guests.

Rebecca Dougall will officially take over as headmistress in January next year.

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