SCORES of pupils at an Accrington secondary school will start the new term a week late because building work has not been completed.

Unfinished renovations in the science block at St Christopher's CE High mean children in year nine must sit out the return to school.

Students in years seven, 10 and 11 were due back today while year eight pupils return tomorrow.

But year nine pupils will begin their new term on Monday to allow the building work at the Queens Road West site to be completed.

The refurbishments began two weeks later than planned as school bosses waited for a final government go-ahead.

Parents of year nine pupils were informed by letter about the delay last week following an emergency meeting between the education authority, school governors and church leaders.

Headteacher Alasdair Coates said: "The work was due to start in mid-July but only started at the end of that month because we were awaiting approval. "The contractors have provided extra men and worked very hard, but despite their efforts there has been a delay.

"School will start normally for other years but year nine pupils will be getting two extra days off.

"It is inconvenient and it's something we try to avoid. We don't want anyone to miss any school but occasionally this happens.

"It was a choice between years eight and nine who would start on Monday.

"We didn't want our new starters in year seven delayed, while year 11 is our exam group and year 10 pupils are just beginning their GCSEs."

The refurbishments, totalling £111,000, follow a handout from the government's New Deal for Schools.

Improvements include a lecture theatre and practical area and a new corridor to ease circulation of pupils in the block.

Mr Coates added: "Parents who have seen the plans are absolutely delighted. It's the first work that's been done on the labs since the 1950s and we must move our facilities forward for the next millennium.

"Any parents with serious difficulties caused by the delay have been invited to contact the school."

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