Work to create nearly 600 new secondary places in Somerset is progressing apace with this January seeing the completion of the first of two major projects.

Later this month the first pupils will be welcomed into a new Somerset County Council-funded £8 million expansion of Bridgwater College Academy.

The project has been managed by Futures for Somerset Ltd and has been built by contractor BAM creating an additional 300 new places.

And work on a £7 million expansion of Bishop Foxes, also managed by Futures for Somerset Ltd is progressing well. Contractor BAM is due to complete the work for September 2020, which will see an extra 285 places created.

Councillor Faye Purbrick, Cabinet member for Education and Transformation at Somerset County Council said:

‘These projects will meet the increasing demand for school places in both Taunton and Bridgwater.

‘The continued delivery of our ambitious new or expanded school buildings programme underlines our commitment to education, young people and families in Somerset. They will ensure that the needs of our communities are met for years to come, provide excellent learning spaces for students and help to ensure the best educational outcomes for all our students.’

The beginning of the new school year in September saw £17 million of school projects completed, creating more than 500 school places.

These included the new £8.5 million Hazlebrook Campus at Selworthy School and the new Nerrols Primary School, both in Taunton.