A TOP government education minister will return to the classroom in Southampton today.

Minister of State for School Standards David Miliband will be guest of honour at Woodlands Community College.

The MP will officially open the school's new £11.4m building as well as mark the school's specialist status in science and engineering at a ceremony.

Woodlands School, in Minstead Avenue, was rebuilt as part of Southampton's £42m Private Finance Initiative that also saw Redbridge and Cantell Schools move into new buildings.

Headteacher Richard Martin said: "We are proud to have the opportunity to celebrate our success and achievements. As a specialist college, we are able to offer a first class education to all young people in our community."

Mr Miliband will tour the school before meeting and talking to staff and students.

The 600-pupil school will also benefit the community, with adult education courses available as well a specially designated community pavilion.

The Citizens Advice Bureau and NHS Health Advice service and bureau will be based at the school.

And sports groups will be able to hire football and rugby pitches, tennis and netball courts, a dance studio and a fully equipped 32-person conference centre.

The school has been able to build a larger sports hall and floodlit artificial turf pitch thanks to a £400,000 lottery grant from Sport England.

Mary McAnally, chairman of the Sport England South East

regional sports board, said: "We hope these new sporting facilities will become the focus for community sport activity.

"We are particularly keen to encourage more people to start, stay in and succeed in sport."

Southampton's Cabinet member for lifelong learning and training, Councillor Calvin Horner, said:

"I am delighted to see these superb new buildings officially opened at Woodlands Community College.

"Students and the community are benefiting enormously from these excellent new facilities."