WORK has begun on Jericho Primary School’s multi-million pound rebuild.

The plans will see the Whitehaven school completely rebuilt in the same grounds, after benefiting from a share of £2bn Government cash, through the Priority School Building Programme

The project began last week with girders transported from Bridlington being fixed into place by cranes.

Students are set to benefit from the new two-storey build with bigger classrooms, new furniture, improved school grounds and IT facilities. A studio will also be included for lessons in dance, drama and community events.

The updated building is hoped to be complete by September 1 in time for the new school year.

“It is exciting and it will be lovely when it’s finished,” said headteacher James Blackwell.

“We’ve gradually expanded over the years.”

The increasing number of students was the motivation behind constructing a bigger facility and Mr Blackwell added that the new school would allow them to have a bigger intake each year.

“Currently we take 52 students, we’ll be able to take 60,” he said.

Mr Blackwell added that the update is vital as the current building is “a very cramped space.”

And the rebuild in 2019 comes at a special time for the school as they celebrate its 50th anniversary in September.

The school will remain open while the new one is built in the grounds. Once pupils have moved into the new facility, the former one will be demolished.

The school, and a dedicated parent group, are fundraising to raise money for new equipment.