Ribston Hall High School in Gloucester is celebrating the opening of its new science centre.

Scientist Dr Caitlin Higgott, of the Rosalind Franklin Institute in Oxford, formally opened the cutting-edge Rosalind Franklin Science Centre.

Delivering a first-class learning environment for students and staff, the new science facility comprises six science labs, two preparation rooms and further offices, helping Ribston Hall to cement itself as a STEM centre of excellence.

Rooftop photovoltaic solar panels generate electricity to help power energy-efficient lighting and heating systems within the Franklin building.

Students were asked to nominate inspirational scientists to share their name with the new facility. A school-wide vote led to the centre being named in recognition of one of the unsung heroes of 20th century science - chemist Rosalind Franklin.

The school trustees, Cllr Pam Tracey, the Sheriff of Gloucester, representatives from Kier Construction and Roberts Limbrick architects, Ribston Hall's headteacher Mrs Sarah Colombini, the school's senior leadership team and students joined together to celebrate the formal opening.

Mrs Sarah Colombini, headteacher, said: "Women are underrepresented in STEM roles; just over 25 per cent of people working in STEM are female. We are hugely committed to supporting all students to participate fully within STEM education and hope our Ribston students will enjoy richer and more vibrant learning with the building of this incredible science centre.

"We endeavour to inspire more students to follow these subjects into further education and help close the gender gap."

The school offers several science A-level courses to its co-educational sixth form, including the traditional core science subjects of chemistry, physics and biology, as well as computer science, psychology and sociology.