WORK is now underway on the first part of a £500m scheme that will transform secondary schools across the east Durham and Sedgefield areas.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held at Sedgefield Community College, one of the first schools in County Durham that will benefit from the
Building Schools for the Future initiative to herald the start of work on site.
The school, which has buil
dings dating back to 1956, will be completely rebuilt over the next 18 months.
The new facilities will cater for 850 students and will be designed to be energy efficient and to maximise the use of natural daylight. The college farm will also remain an important part of the new school.
S
chools in East Durham and Sedgefield are the first in the county to receive significant investment through Building Schools for the Future and work is also due to start at Shotton Hall School and Easington Community Science College.
Sedgefield head teacher Dave Davies said: "This is an extremely exciting time for us.
"Our new building will be a real boost and it gives us an exciting opportunity that will help to raise the aspirations and achievements of our students even further.
"This groundbreaking ceremony marks the start of a transformation in education, not just for Sedgefield Community College, but for secondary schools across County Durham."
All of the new schools will be energy efficient, with systems such as rainwater harvesting and bio-mass boilers.
The building for the future project is expected to bring opportunities for local suppliers as well as employment and training opportunities, including apprenticeships, for local people.
