Ambitious plans for a new school for Tibshelf look set to get the go-ahead from Derbyshire County Council, the authority’s Cabinet Member for Education has confirmed.

Councillor Mike Longden said the authority was fully committed to replacing the community school and would be considering a report on the issue in October.

"I'm really pleased that we are set to deliver on our promise of a new school for Tibshelf," said Councillor Longden.

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"I'm recommending the council's Cabinet approve plans for a £14.5 million replacement school for 750 pupils at its meeting in October.

"Once approved, the council will press full speed ahead to build a new school with a target opening date of September 2013."

The county council, school staff, governors and parents were hugely disappointed when plans were put on hold after the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme ended.

But the project has remained a top priority for the county council to bring an end to current overcrowding and replace a range of old and temporary buildings.

Councillor Longden said: "I'm sure this news will be welcomed by parents, pupils and staff. It means students and staff can look forward to new state-of-the art facilities in which to learn and teach."

(CD/GK)