PICTURES: Armfield Academy's first cohort of pupils meets for the first time at the Pleasure Beach's Globe Theatre

Around 160 soon-to-be Year Seven and 54 reception children attended the information evening to get the latest update on building work at the former Arnold school in Lytham Road, South Shore.

They are set to become the all-through school’s first cohort in September – and got to meet their new teachers.

Executive principal Chris Lickiss told those who gathered on Wednesday evening he planned to maintain the ‘values and high standards’ of former Blackpool and England captain Jimmy Armfield.

Mr Armfield, who died this year from cancer, went to Arnold and had spoken of his pride at having the new school named after him.

Mr Lickiss said: “If we can ensure our children come to school happy, then the core values Mr Armfield believed in, and on which the school has been founded, will have been established.

“This in itself will further guarantee that Armfield Academy really is an Academy to be proud of.”

Headteacher Mark Kilmurray (inset) also spoke during the hour-long event, about his desire to see ‘exciting and challenging lessons every day, with an emphasis on the need for good behaviour, resilience, and positive attitudes.’

The buildings on the south side of ArnoldAvenue will be ready for September to accommodate the first intake, while the new three storey premises on the north side of the site are scheduled to be completed next year.

John Topping from the Fylde Coast Academy Trust (FCAT), which will run the school, said recently: “We are very pleased with the progress being made by our contractor Conlon’s. We are looking forward to welcoming our first pupils in September.”