Stratton Upper School’s £8.4 million science block is taking shape and once completed staff believe it will be the best facility in the area.

The project – which was funded by Central Bedfordshire Council – is due to be handed over to the Biggleswade school by the end of the year, but the foundations have been laid for the 13 laboratory block building.

Since work started in September it has been out with the old and in with the new as the pavilion and gym changing rooms were demolished, while plans were laid for extensive landscaping to the front of the school to give it ‘an outdoor environment worthy of Stratton’s impressive entrance’.

The contract with builders ISG will also see significant changes to the front car parking area.

Head of science Peter Riley said: “The opportunity to be involved in the design of a new block is at best something that happens only once in a career, but for most science teachers never at all.

“When it is finished, Stratton will have the best science facilities of any school in the area.”

Headteacher Rob Watson said: “Although we were very careful to make sure the new footprint did not detract from our open spaces, the absolute scale of the new building is incredibly impressive.”

Councillor Mark Versallion, responsible for education at the unitary authority, said: “I am delighted that work is progressing so quickly at Stratton Upper and I know that the new facilities will make a big difference to the school.

“The expansion scheme means that an additional 400 pupils will eventually be able to attend this good school in a popular area with families.”