WORK is well underway on a major £7million project to expand Holyrood Academy in Chard.

The scheme will enable the school to take in more students and meet the growing local demand.

Contractors BAM have started work on the site on the academy campus, beginning with the safe demolition of the former Cresta swimming pool.

The new building will be all-electric and fitted with energy efficient fabric in line with Somerset County Council’s climate change strategy.

The expansion will see a new two-storey building that will incorporate a purpose-built student/dining area, six classrooms, new office spaces and meeting rooms, as well as a single point of entry into the school.

The project will increase Holyrood’s capacity by an extra 225 places and help meet demand for school places at a time when Chard’s population is growing.

Cllr Clare Paul, cabinet member for education and public health at County Hall, said: “We’re investing millions in schools and school places across Somerset to meet growing demand and to deliver high quality education.

"This £7million project is exciting news for the school, for the town and the wider community and will ensure school places are there in future to meet Chard’s growing population.”

David MacCormick, the headteacher at Holyrood Academy, said: “We are delighted that the demolition work is complete, and the construction of our new building is now underway.

"The students and staff are very excited by the plans and are looking forward to seeing them take shape.”