The same construction team that built Sybil Andrews Academy in 2016 has returned to build new phases of the high school based on Bury St Edmunds’ Moreton Hall estate.

Over recent months Barnes Construction has been carrying out a programme of enabling works in preparation for the main work to start.

This has included creating new hard play areas, along with alterations to paths and paving.

They have now moved on to start construction of the first of two new teaching blocks which will provide additional classrooms, staff rooms and break-out areas.

The scheme also incorporates an expansion to the previously completed external sports facilities to include an additional multi-use games area.

Concertus Design & Property Consultants is again project managing the build on behalf of Suffolk County Council as well as providing a multi-disciplinary design service which includes architecture, interior and landscape, structural engineering and building services.

Project chiefs, local councillors and students and staff all visited the site last month to mark construction starting in earnest with the excavation of the foundations.

Gordon Jones, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills, said: “The new development will support the continued development of Sybil Andrews by providing a range of additional accommodation.

“This includes specialist teaching spaces, classrooms, larger staff room, an additional food service facility plus external areas.

Another smaller teaching block will be completed in 2020, enabling the school to expand by 600 places to a capacity of 1200 students.’

Trenica King, headteacher at Sybil Andrews Academy, added: “This is another exciting milestone for our school.

The new education block will further develop our specialist teaching rooms and provide more space for our new Year 7 students arriving in this September.

“We would like to thank everyone who has been involved in this project for their hard work and commitment.”

Work is now underway to erect the steel frame on the first block which will be complete for September 2019.