The stunning design of Bradford's newest school "will blow pupils' minds", the head teacher declared today.

The wraps have come off the city's smartest, most modern school - the £14 million Challenge College.

The stylish building is the showpiece of the £186 million schools rebuilding programme.

Pupils move in after Easter to the brand new buildings overlooking Canal Road in Frizinghall.

An army of 130 workmen is currently putting the finishing touches to the school.

Built around a three-storey atrium, the school is flooded with light from its glass ceiling.

The architect, Balbir Birring, who works for Bradford Council, said: "I am very pleased with where we have got to. Hopefully it's something Bradford can be proud of. The reactions I have heard so far from teachers and pupils is 'wow'."

Gareth Dawkins, the head teacher, said staff had an input into the layout of the classrooms, working closely with the design team.

Starting from scratch meant they could specify all kinds of features of the 'ideal' school and see it become a reality.

Every one of the 1,000 pupils will have their own locker and there is a circular 'contemplation room' with a special ceiling, which appears to be floating in a halo of blue light. The room will be used by the school's Muslim pupils for prayers but is non-denominational and is for anyone wanting peace and quiet. "Especially the head teacher," Mr Dawkins said.

The giant sports hall has walls made of a special American resin called Kalwall, another device to ensure as much light as possible gets in. Modelled on Japanese rice paper screens, the special material gives a diffused light so the young athletes are not squinting when trying to play badminton or cricket.

The new school also boasts an adjoining City Learning Centre, with IT suites for community use and a drama and dance studio with a sprung timber floor.

Students are currently based in the former Woodend Middle School buildings in Wrose Brow, Shipley.

A handful enjoyed a sneak preview of their new school, in return for earning merit marks in class.

"It looks really good, much better than the existing school - I'll be glad to move in," said one of the group, Tom Holderness.

Classmate Ben Kelly added: "It's a colourful school with nice lifts."

And Khudija Bari said: "It's wicked! My favourite part is the sports hall."

Children will break up for Easter three days early, and return to lessons a week late, while the 60-strong staff move equipment over and get the classrooms ready.

Staff are due back at the school on April 8 with pupils starting on April 15.