Wymondham High School Headteacher Russell Boulton next to the building works at the school. Photograph Simon Parker

Work has started on a £2.5 million project to improve the art, history and science facilities for students at Wymondham High Academy.

A new two-storey building will provide five history classrooms and five art studios, replacing temporary mobile buildings.

The art studios will also include space for screen printing, an ICT suite and a photography darkroom.

Three science laboratories and a large preparation room will be built to extend the existing science block.

Russell Boulton, principal at the academy, said the classrooms would create an environment for students where they can flourish and excel. “These new facilities will replace our mobile temporary accommodation and staff and students alike are very excited at the prospect of moving into the new build towards the end of the year,” he added.

Joe Mooney, county and district councillor for Wymondham, said he was delighted that the county council had invested in the expansion project.

“This will help to provide much needed additional accommodation for students to study art, history and science,” he said.

Alison Thomas, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services at Norfolk County Council, said: “The county council is committed to working with its partners to ensure that school buildings are fit to meet the challenges of population growth in towns like Wymondham.

“Whilst academies are autonomous in their day to day running the county council has a role, indeed a legal requirement, to address basic need in terms of such things as school building provision.

“This is an important project and I am thrilled that building work has begun.”

The work is expected to be completed by the end of the year.