A SCHOOL in Wokingham has formally opened its new maths block - and its name will be familiar to students past and present.

The Matthias Block, named after former headteacher Nigel Matthias who led the school until his retirement in March 2016, was officially opened this week.

The £2.4million building, which houses nine new classrooms, a computer room, staff room and toilets, has been in use by students since September, but the ribbon was cut by Wokingham Borough Mayor, Cllr Rob Stanton on Wednesday, January 31.

Head Boy Colm Casey, who is studying maths A-Level, said: "It is a fantastic new block, for the last year we haven't really had a home for our maths lessons so it's really nice to have such a state-of-the-art facility.

"The windows, the layout, the interactive white boards all add to a really positive learning environment and, personally, I feel that it has had a very positive impact on my studies."

Mr Matthias said: "I feel a huge sense of pride and a certain amount of embarrassment by the size of the lettering on the side of the building.

"But this building isn't just down to me, but rather the incredibly hard-working team of staff and governors behind the scenes, and the council who granted the much-needed investment.

"It is with great pride that my wife and I can see our family name on this building as it shows a permanent connection to this school and its future."

Cllr Stanton said: "I have had strong links with this school in the past, both as a parent of a former pupil, but also from my time as executive member for education when I spent a lot of time here following the devastating floods in 2007.

"I do wish Emmbrook every success, we live in a very competitive world and this building is a clear opportunity and selling point of the school going forward."