A SCHOOL celebrated a big date in its 400-year history when building of new multi-million pound facilities officially began.

A ground-breaking ceremony at Wolsingham School and Community College today (Thursday, February 26) marked the start of the £6.1m redevelopment project.

The work will relocate most of the school, which is currently split over two sites, onto the lower school site, a 1911-built former grammar school, which will be extended.

The move will reduce lost time in lesson changes, allow for a more flexible timetable and should cut running costs.

A building will remain on the upper school area which will be used mainly for PE lessons and as a bus drop-off and pick-up site, reducing the need for pupils to use Leazes Lane and the school access road thereby reducing health and safety risks.

Preparation onsite was already well underway, most recently the old music block was demolished and contractors excavated the extension site, but the ground breaking ceremony signalled the start of a new era for the school.

Headteacher Deborah Merrett said: “Our new accommodation, a quite unique project combining the best of our heritage with contemporary facilities, reflects our outlook as a school, a school that combines traditional values with a forward looking education.

“We are delighted and grateful to be supported by Durham County Council so that students and staff of the future have learning facilities that they so rightly deserve.”

She said she was delighted that Doreen Moore, representing past students of the school, joined current pupils Jordan Wragg and Hannah Porter at the event to look forward to a school for future generations.

Durham County Councillor Ossie Johnson, elected member for children and young people’s services, said: “This project once again demonstrates Durham County Council’s commitment to investing in improving the life chances and wellbeing of the children and young people in County Durham.

“The new build accommodation will provide many benefits to enhance curriculum delivery and will be a facility the whole community can be proud of.”

Architect Faulkner Brown, contractors Robertson and Durham County Council will oversee the project.