A special classroom for Western Bay of Plenty students with debilitating illnesses is part of the Northern Health School's new facility that officially opened this afternoon.

The school has been operating in Tauranga for the past 10 years, but this is the first time the organisation has had its own facility.

Principal Richard Winder with students Liam Manson, Hunter Cavers, Ethan Smith, Richard Wright and Bekki Richards at the new learning centre.

Previously Northern Health School was based in a small classroom at Gate Pa School.

The school works with children who have a range of illnesses such as cancer, cystic fibrosis, mental conditions or heart problems.

'It means that these children with health conditions can keep on being educated,” says the school's associate principal Robyn Meikle.

A classroom at the new facility enables Year 1-13 students to be taught onsite.

In the past, teaching staff have visited students at their homes or in hospital.

About 100 students are currently on the school's roll, but about 10 visit the classroom for lessons.

The school helps children who live between Waihi Beach and Te Kaha in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

Principal Richard Winder officially opened the facility, but paediatricians, psychiatrists, special education workers and other principals were among those at the opening.