KINGSDOWN School has unveiled a new multi-purpose building.

Downstairs is Swindon's only secondary school autism centre and upstairs is a state of the art virtual learning centre.

And headteacher David Williams is thrilled pupils are finally in the building working after it was officially opened by mayor Coun Ray Fisher.

"Here was an opportunity to extend the classroom throughout the world," he said of the new virtual learning centre.

"This is an exciting development and will confirm our reputation as a high-achieving school."

The secondary school in Stratton St Margaret first applied for the £1.6m capital grant to build the new learning centre two years ago.

During this time children with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) have been taught in mobile classrooms.

But ASD co-ordinator Beth Stubbs says the children will thrive in this new space.

At the moment the school teaches nine autistic children.

"It's wonderful to finally have a permanent, purpose built centre for our students," she said.

"We started off with mobile classes, which started to get a bit cramped but now we have lots of space to do all sorts of things with them."

The children need their own rooms because they often find communicating difficult.

They spend most of their school time in mainstream classes but when they need some extra support or tutoring they will take time out and go to Miss Stubbs and her teaching assistants in the new building for help.

"They like to have somewhere where they feel safe," she added.

Inside the building is a special chill-out room with soft beanbags and games, teaching room and a kitchen section.

Upstairs in the virtual learning centre, which is packed with the latest technology, pupils were busy tapping away on the 120 new computers.

They were trying out a new online SAT test in IT, which will be introduced to the National Curriculum in 2008.

At any time four classes can book a work area and everyone is enjoying working in the new room.

"It's like a room you would expect to see at work," said Matthew Jones, 14.

"It's a really nice place to come to and work because there is so much space."

Emily Law, 14, added: "I think the centre is really cool. It helps so much to have good computers with all our school work."