THE timetable for an extensive overhaul at one of Lancashire's most improved schools has been revealed.

Last month, plans were lodged proposing to knock down two blocks are to be knocked down as part of a comprehensive refurbishment at Hyndburn Academy in Rishton, formerly Norden High School and Sports College.

It is proposed to demolish the old science block, as well as the Raising of School Leaving Age block, which is unused due to asbestos.

All classrooms will be refurbished, while science labs will be relocated to the main building first floor.

The main entrance to the academy will also be moved.

And the demolition area will be tarmacked over to be used as a staff car park.

Now bosses behind the scheme say work will start as early as September as long as plans are approved by Hyndburn Council.

Phase one of the scheme will include new science labs, a state of the art learning resource centre, a gallery and perfomance area, and new ICT rooms.

The academy will also benefit from a new, more welcoming entrance, making it easier for student and visitors to find their way around.

School bosses say these spaces, alongside the modernisation of sections of the existing building, will also enable better external use of the academy’s facilities – supporting the ethos of ‘a school at the heart of its community.’

Phase two works will then start in 2020, with landscaping to the rear of the academy helping to deliver additional high-quality learning experiences in such areas as horticulture, sensory gardens and allotments.

Nicola Palmer, Headteacher of the Hyndburn Academy said: “With the planned enhancements to our facilities, we want to deliver an exciting and inclusive environment that has learning at its heart and supports our commitment to provide an aspirational education for all our students, as well as offering a warm and welcoming environment to all, including our local primary schools.

“We have been particularly inspired by our recent work with both the Lowry and Whitworth Art Galleries and are keen to harness our students’ creativity to make sure that the new improvements reflect not only our identity as a school, but also local heritage and the importance of strong relations with the wider community.”

Andy O’Brien, executive principal of Hyndburn and Accrington Academies, added: “We are confident that these new facilities will help to continue the excellent progress underway at The Hyndburn Academy and we are very much looking forward to involving students, staff, parents and the wider community in the process.”

Last year, the Rishton-based academy was named as one of Lancashire’s most improved schools based on students’ attainment at GCSE.

Summer 2018 saw 58 per cent of students achieve five or more 9-4/A*-C grades including English and maths under the new GCSE grading structure – an increase of more than 20 per cent on the previous year and the school’s best ever results.

These improvements followed the school becoming an academy as part of United Learning, the national group of schools that also includes Accrington Academy, in 2017.