Work has begun to completely re-build St Swithun’s Junior School on the existing campus on Alresford Road in Winchester.

The new school will replace the existing school buildings and will enable the junior school to increase its pupil numbers in response to an increased demand for places whilst also allowing smaller class sizes.

The development will include specialist teaching rooms, a science laboratory, an art studio, a media/IT room and a new performing arts space and gym.

Pim Grimes, headmistress of St Swithun’s Junior School said: “I am delighted that after all of our planning and preparation, work has started on our new junior school. The design will make the most of our rural position in the South Downs National Park and allow the pupils to engage with this environment while also providing an atmosphere conducive to academic study and facilities to support our drama, musical and sporting activities. The fact that the children have been involved in some of the plans for their new school adds to the excitement.”The new school main building will open in September 2015.