A MULTI-MILLION pound improvement project has been completed at one of the district's high schools.

Northumberland County Council have spent more than £4m renovating main buildings at Haydon Bridge High School, including improvements at its vocational and sports centre and the addition of a multi-use games area.

It continues a change in fortunes for the school, which was almost closed several years ago due to poor Ofsted performance and low student numbers.

However, after a consultation found that parents wanted the school to remain open, it was saved from closure - and has now been rewarded with the highest number of Year 7 students being welcomed back for the 2020/21 school year.

Councillor Guy Renner-Thompson, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Children’s Services said: “The Council has been committed from the start in ensuring the investment here made a difference. It was much needed in the area, and now as we see more children return to learning here, and the benefit these changes will have on them and their education we can really begin to see what a significance it will make for years to come.”

The work is part of the council's commitment to improving schools in the area as part of a wider capital works programme, with work continuing at Hexham, Haltwhistle, and Ponteland.

Darren Glover, headteacher at the school added: “I am delighted with all the work that has taken place. The school now has top of the range facilities for students to learn, and we are ready to welcome back all of our students in September.”

Haydon Bridge High School is now one of the seven locations able to offer some of Northumberland’s Learning and Skills courses