Children and staff have been celebrating the completion of a new £300,000 extension and IT upgrade at a Somerset school.

Thanks to a Somerset County Council-funded project, Milborne Port School, South Somerset, has seen its roll increase from 180 to 210, with pupils now able to enjoy a state-of-the-art learning space.

At the same time, the school, which dates from the Victorian era, got a much-needed ICT update, which included major re-wiring work also part-funded by the council.

Somerset’s work to build and expand schools has been highlighted as a model of good practice by Government. Six projects were delivered for the start of this academic year, with a further 13 in progress for delivery in 2020 and 2021 at an estimated cost of £88 million.

Councillor Faye Purbrick, cabinet member for education said: “It’s our number one priority to ensure all our schools across Somerset provide the best possible education and outcomes for our students.

“We are committed to providing sufficient school places through our new or expanded schools programme. Thanks to this programme Milborne Port has now increased its roll, with an excellent new learning space for pupils to enjoy, and had a fantastic upgrade so students are equipped with the latest ICT technology.”

Headteacher, Rebecca Eyres, said: “The new classroom is a wonderful development for the school. Milborne Port Primary school can now offer single year group classes. We are very grateful to Somerset County Council.”