The first sod has been turned on a £3.8m project to transform Ashleigh Primary School in Wymondham.

Eastern Daily Press: Work has started on a £3.8million project to transform Ashleigh Primary School in Wymondham by building nine new classrooms, extending the hall, creating a new kitchen, and remodelling other parts of the school. Picture: ASHLEIGH PRIMARY SCHOOLWork has started on a £3.8million project to transform Ashleigh Primary School in Wymondham by building nine new classrooms, extending the hall, creating a new kitchen, and remodelling other parts of the school. Picture: ASHLEIGH PRIMARY SCHOOL (Image: Archant)

The works will include building nine new classrooms, extending the hall, creating a new kitchen, and remodelling other parts of the school.

Sam Nixon, headteacher, said: 'Children, parents and staff are excited to see the building work begin.

'The whole school community has been involved in planning our development to primary and are delighted that Wymondham will benefit from having such an exceptional school site and facilities.

'The additional outdoor spaces, new classroom bases and large hall will be worth any small disruptions to normal school life during the build.'

The work is part of a £5m reorganisation by Norfolk County Council to increase the number of primary places in the town from 1050 and 1260 and enable Robert Kett, Browick Road and Ashleigh schools to educate children through from age four to 11. Roger Smith, chairman of the children's services committee at Norfolk County Council, said: 'The work at Ashleigh is being funded by Norfolk County Council's £144m schools' capital programme, which is increasing school places in areas of growth across Norfolk.

'We also know that children do better when they have fewer transitions during their school life which is why we will always champion all-through schools like those which are now running in Wymondham.'

Joe Mooney, county councillor for Wymondham and town mayor, said: 'We want all children in Wymondham to have access to an excellent education and that means making use of the funding we have available to develop inspirational facilities to learn in. Pupils and staff at Ashleigh will have a wonderful place to learn and teach, when this work is completed'.

The work at Ashleigh school is expected to be completed for the new 2017/18 school term.

All of the Wymondham school projects are designed and delivered by NPS Property Consultants Ltd.