New Siddal Moor Sports College gets underway

Holding the spade are Jack Wilcock and Melissa Rob from year 7. Behind are Head Girl Laila Bouassab and Head Boy Ali Afzal and Headteacher Steve Britton.

Pupils from Siddal Moor Sports College took part in an official turf cutting ceremony on Tuesday to mark the start of a £14.5 million remodelling project at their school.

Included in the remodelling is the construction of a new teaching block, refurbishment of the existing buildings including the sports facilities, new external teaching areas as well as hard and soft landscaped areas and new school car parking.

Cheryl Eastwood, Director of Children’s Services said: “This is the beginning of a new school for both the children and the local community. I’ll look forward to coming back in 2 years to see the young people and staff in their brand new surroundings.”

The transformation of the school is part of the Building Schools for the Future programme, which will see a radical transformation of secondary education in the borough.

The newly remodelled school, on Newhouse Road, Heywood, is due to open in January 2012 and will accommodate 1050 pupils.