Construction has started at a multi-million pound, 750-place secondary school to replace the former site.

The school, which is being built to replace the current Whitworth Community High School site, will comprise a two and three-storey main teaching block with classrooms, main hall, specialist technology spaces, entrance plaza and parking.

It will provide approximately 5093sqm of space and accommodate pupils aged 11-16 years with 84 full-time equivalent staff. The existing sports hall is being retained.

With sustainability embedded in its design, the project forms part of a Department for Education pilot scheme to deliver a building that is Net Zero Carbon in operation.

Head teacher, Gillian Middlemas said: “We are delighted to be one of the first 12 schools in the pilot of the Department for Educations School Rebuilding Programme.

“Staff, students and the governing board are really excited to see the work already underway on site.

“It’s amazing to believe that in less than 18 months we will be working in a new learning environment which will provide fantastic facilities to enable us to continue our ‘Climbing Higher’ journey.”

The current school building will remain fully operational during the new build process, eliminating the need for temporary teaching accommodation.

Wates Construction will be build the project in three phases so that pupils and teaching staff can be transferred into the new building in early 2023.

Following this, demolition of the old building can then take place with completion anticipated in the summer of 2024.

County Councillor Jayne Rear, Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for education and skills, said: "This will be a tremendous new school, which will make a huge difference to the community here at Whitworth.

"We already have excellent teachers and staff and by the end of next year, we will have new modern buildings and excellent facilities too.

"The education of our young people is key and bringing our schools up-to-date is crucial."