Work begins on major rebuild of secondary school

Work has started on the rebuild of a secondary school in Kirkby-in-Ashfield.

A ground-breaking ceremony took place at Outwood Academy Kirkby on Monday, with a new three-storey main building and improved sports courts planned for the site.

The school, part of the Outwood Grange Academies Trust, said the new facility should be ready in time for the 2028-29 academic year.

The project, funded by the Department for Education as part of the national School Rebuilding Programme, will see purpose-built classrooms created for science, drama and technology, a new all-weather pitch and multi-use games courts.

The trust said construction will take place in a phased approach, with a temporary teaching block set up to be used alongside its existing sports facilities while the work takes place.

Once the new school is complete, the former school buildings will be demolished to make way for sports areas.

Andy Scruby, lead principal at the academy, said: "This is a historic milestone for Outwood Academy Kirkby.

"Following our recent Ofsted rating and national recognition for transformation, this new building is a pivotal piece of the puzzle.

"It ensures our students and our wider community will have access to the very best facilities to support their learning, creativity, and physical well-being."

A spokesperson for the Department for Education added: "The School Rebuilding Programme is delighted to support the future of the children of Kirkby-in-Ashfield, and the ambition of Outwood Academy Kirkby, with this significant investment."

Listen to BBC Radio Nottingham on Sounds and follow BBC Nottingham on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.