Author Louis de Bernieres opened Bradfield College's new St Andrew's Study Centre last week.

More than 125 guests toured the renovated 14th-century church, which was purchased and refurbished by the college over two years.

The building, now a blend of contemporary and original features, is designed to inspire learning.

Facilities include a presentation space with tiered seating and a mezzanine seminar room for group discussions.

The guests included donors who contributed nearly £4 million towards the project's £8 million cost, community representatives, the Bishop of Reading, The Rt Revd Olivia Graham, and Cllr Kimiko Dearing, Chair of Bradfield Parish Council.

Headmaster Dr Chris Stevens spoke about the church's historical significance and inspiration to the school, which was founded by parson Thomas Stevens.

As the college nears its 175th anniversary, Dr Stevens said St Andrew's is now a central place for students to read, research, and collaborate.

He added that the study centre "has already demonstrated its potential to have a profound effect on generations of Bradfieldians as a space that promotes inquiry as well as industry."

Before cutting the ribbon, Mr de Bernières recalled walking past the church on his way to the fly-fishing club, feeling it should be utilised more and foreseeing its greater role in college life.

He told students: "How wonderful it has been turned into the most fabulous study area and how lucky you are to have such a good place to study."

Mr de Bernières, a Bradfield pupil between 1968 and 1972, also conducted a creative writing workshop for students.

He discussed the poetry they were studying and answered questions about the popularity of poetry today as a spoken medium.

He advised them that understanding the rules of writing is crucial because once you do, you then have the freedom to break them.

Bradfield College is a co-educational boarding and day school for 13 to 18-year-olds in Berkshire.

For more information visit the Bradfield College website.