A gleaming new building for staff and students at Workington Academy is almost ready to move into.

The school’s new building is well on the way to being finished, with a planned opening day of March 2, and business manager Sarah Allison said it had been a privilege to watch it take shape over the past 15 months.

She said: “It’s been a fascinating and exciting process to watch and be part of.

“It becomes a reality when staff actually tour the new building and are able to see their teaching rooms for the first time.

“Students are looking forward to the move and are very keen to see inside the building. Up to now they’ve only been able to watch the building take shape from a distance.”

Furniture and equipment will be moved during the half term break to minimise disruption, with the building due to be handed over by contractors on February 27.

Ms Allison added: “The existing building is challenging to manage due to its age and layout.

“Everyone here is really looking forward to moving into a brand new building, which has been especially designed for us.

“The facilities are far better and the building itself is modern, energy efficient and will be much easier to maintain.

“Having a new building that is fully equipped to meet student needs will have a positive impact on everyone.

“Teaching rooms are modern and will be well equipped. A brand new and reliable IT infrastructure will make a huge difference to learning.

“We anticipate further improvements to learning outcomes from March onwards.”