A MULTI-million pound revamp of Ulverston Victoria High School has been given the go-ahead by planners.

Cumbria County Council has announced a grant of £3million to transform the school by creating fully accessible and flexible accommodation to improve educational facilities and meet the future needs of the school.

The scheme, which was approved by county council planning officers on Tuesday, includes adding a fully glazed corridor to the school as well as an extension to the library block and a brand new classroom.

New computer facilities, a sixth form resource area and a Special Educational Needs suite with a physiotherapy room will also be added.

Now planning has been given the green light, work is expected to get fully underway during the autumn term and be completed by summer 2015.

In addition to the new construction, extensive maintenance will also be carried out on the existing school buildings at the same time.

“This scheme is going to transform Ulverston Victoria High School and will benefit pupils and staff both in the near future and for many years to come," said councillor David Southward, Cumbria County Council’s cabinet member for property.

“The project’s a real landmark moment in the school’s history and the design that’s been developed overcomes the shortcomings of the existing main buildings while retaining the school’s identity.

“As well as requiring revamping from an educational point of view, the current ageing buildings are expensive to maintain so the transformation will also have the advantage of reducing running costs.”

Roger Cahalin, assistant headteacher at UVHS, who is overseeing the project on behalf of the school, said: “We are extremely grateful to Cumbria County Council for the support they have shown the school in financing this ambitious project.”

“The new buildings will significantly enhance the educational experience for all our students. We are looking forward to the commencement of the project and enjoying the impact it will undoubtedly have.”