An Islington girls’ school beloved of US First Lady Michelle Obama has celebrated the completion of its new multi-million pound home.

Islington Gazette: Girls from EGA belt sing at the eventGirls from EGA belt sing at the event (Image: Archant)

Elizabeth Garett Anderson School (EGA), in Donegal Way, has been using the £140million building since Christmas, but the school chose International Women’s Day on Friday to show what it had to offer.

The school invited Shami Chakrabarti, director of human rights group Liberty, to sign the school pledge, which asks girls to realise their potential and make the world a better place through education.

The school was rebuilt as part of the last government’s Building Schools for the Future programme and now has a piazza and views into the city.

Other features include a performance hall, a four-court sports hall, a library and specialist teacher training room with observation booth.

Fantastic

EGA, named after the first woman in Britain to gain medical qualifications, forged close links with Mrs Obama who visited the school in 2009.

She asked 35 of the girls to the White House, in Washington, in 2011 and congratulated pupils on their exam results in 2009.

Headteacher Jo Dibb said: “At long last EGA students have the fantastic facilities they deserve.

“The new school will foster their love of learning and encourage them to aim even higher in the future.”

During the next six months, work will continue on a multi-use games area, gardens, an outdoor teaching area as well as an external dining terrace.

Eleanor Schooling, Islington Council’s corporate director of children’s services, said: “All of Islington’s secondary schools are benefiting from better buildings, facilities and investment under the BSF programme, helping our students reach their potential. The new EGA combines a modern, first class teaching environment, alongside reminders of inspirational women who have achieved great things in all walks of life.”