BACKWELL School has been given a cash boost to replace its sports hall, science labs and a temporary classroom.

Backwell is one of a further 17 schools to benefit from phase two of the Government’s flagship Priority School Building Programme (PSBP).

The aim of the scheme is to improve the standard of school buildings so pupils can learn in high quality classrooms and have access to the best facilities.

Headteacher Julian Baldwin said: “We are absolutely delighted to be getting the money to carry out much-needed refurbishment and rebuilding of the classes which are in the worst condition.

“Being the only school in North Somerset that doesn’t have any artificial turf, we are delighted we are going to be able to enhance the sports facilities, which will also benefit the local community.

“Our temporary hut classrooms will also be replaced with permanent up-to-date buildings.”

The school has not yet been told the exact amount it will be receiving, but it will be given at least £500,000 for the work.

Wendy Farrier, Backwell School’s business manager, said: “Our application was successful.

“We’ve got money to improve up to three science labs, a classroom and our sports hall, which will be wonderful.

“The science lab and the classrooms are old mobile classrooms which are in a bad state.

“We will have a site visit in February or March to scope out the project, then we’ll work to build up the detail of exactly what’s necessary.”

The Government has confirmed around £2billion will be invested in rebuilding or refurbishing buildings at 277 schools across England under the PSBP.

The scheme was set up in 2011 and 260 schools are already benefiting from the first phase.

Work on schools in the second phase will be completed between 2015 and 2021.