A LONG-standing secondary school whose former pupils include Amy Winehouse and S Club 7’s Rachel Stevens is set to open a primary branch for the first time.

Ashmole Academy, in Southgate, will welcome its first cohort of 60 primary-aged pupils to its 28-acre site on Monday September 12.

Founded in 1958, the school in Cecil Road became a multi-academy trust this year after a long campaign to open a new school.

The campaign, started in 2013, hoped to ease demand for schools places in the ‘black hole’ between the boroughs of Barnet and Enfield.

Vice chair of Ashmole Academy trust Gonul Daniels said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for good-quality education in the boroughs and the fact we are already oversubscribed for places shows that.

“Parents have faith in Ashmole Academy’s experience and reputation, which is why we are full to capacity with a sizeable waiting list.

“We are very excited to be starting this journey with our first cohort of children.”

An official opening ceremony, due to be attended by MP for Chipping Barnet Theresa Villiers, is to be held on Friday, September 23.