Exciting plans to improve facilities for secondary school students at The Bridge School in Ipswich have moved a step closer.

A groundbreaking ceremony involving students, staff and project chiefs has taken place to herald the next phase of building work at the school.

Primary-aged pupils moved into a purpose-built building four years ago and now similar plans are progressing for those of secondary school age.

Tina Sharman, interim deputy headteacher at The Bridge School, said: “This is really exciting news for students and staff alike.

“The primary school building has been a wonderful educational setting and we are looking forward to the new building having a similar impact.

“The fact that the two buildings will also be joined together will smooth the transition between primary and secondary education.”

Natalie Finnigan, principal quantity surveyor at Concertus Design and Property Consultants Ltd, said: “We are thrilled to be working with Morgan Sindall Construction and Suffolk County Council to help deliver this great project for the local community and Unity Schools Partnership.

“Although early days in the construction process, we are confident that the new school building will be a great benefit to the children studying at The Bridge and look forward to being able to hand it over for them to enjoy.”

Steve Holt, framework manager at Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “We’re delighted to have been appointed to this important project which will enhance provision for young people with special educational needs (SEN) in the region.

“Morgan Sindall Construction has a real depth of experience delivering outstanding SEN schools across the East of England and we look forward to working closely and collaboratively with the wider project team and our local community as we deliver this much-needed facility.”

Gordon Jones, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills at Suffolk County Council, expressed his pleasure in being able to celebrate the start of the project.

He said: “The new building will provide first class facilities for students with additional needs and illustrates Suffolk’s ongoing commitment to improving specialist provision for some of our most vulnerable young people.”

In June, The Bridge School formally joined the Unity Schools Partnership and chief executive, Tim Coulson, said he was delighted with how the work was progressing on the new building.

It is expected that the new building will be handed over to the school in July 2020 with demolition of the existing accommodation and landscape works to be completed during the spring and early summer 2021.