School leavers will be given the chance to help build a school’s multi–million pound double extension.

The two extensions at Durrington High School in Worthing are due for completion in September 2015, and the construction company will create work experience placements for leavers and apprentices during the 12–month construction programme.

The new facilities will enable the expanding school to accommodate an extra 210 students when it moves from a 12–form entry school for 12 to 16 year–olds to an 11–form entry secondary school for 11 to 16 year–olds in September 2015.

Construction company Beard will start construction in September on a three–storey teaching complex which will provide eight new classrooms, three science laboratories and a prep room.

Pre–construction manager Gareth Phillips said: “The plans for the new buildings are very exciting and we are really looking forward to working with the school, the Council and other partners in the delivery of these important new facilities which will enable Durrington High School to provide the very best learning environment for its growing student population.”

The new facility will also include office accommodation, flexi–space for drama and the school’s performing arts as well as a single storey student dining and changing pavilion and an outdoor 100m x 40m synthetic sand and turf hockey pitch.

Jeremy Hunt, West Sussex County Council cabinet member for education and skills, said: “This is an important part of West Sussex County Council's project to invest in schools in the Worthing area in order to change the age at which pupils transfer to secondary school.

“I am delighted to see that the scheme is progressing well.

“I am also really pleased to see that local materials and local employees will be used to complete the project, as well as the creation of valuable work experience placements.”

Sue Marooney, headteacher at Durrington High School said: “We are delighted to be working with Beard Construction and architects The Seaman Partnership.

“Our facilities are being expanded to accommodate additional students being admitted to the school.

“West Sussex County Council is leading the project and appointed the team but we are now all working closely together which is essential as the schedule is extremely tight.”