Robertson Construction Yorkshire & East Midlands has broken ground on the concluding stage of a new teaching block at Bingley Grammar School in Bradford, working on behalf of Bradford Council.

The scheme will deliver 18 new classrooms, modern specialist spaces and upgraded facilities to benefit pupils across the site.

Students Abigail Childs and Stevie Metcalfe marked the milestone by turning the first sod on Friday.

They were joined at the ground-breaking by Cllr Sue Duffy, Bradford Council's executive member for children and families, representatives from main contractor Robertson Construction Yorkshire & East Midlands, headteacher Luke Weston, chair of governors David Mann and the school's site operations manager, Robert Parkinson.

The new build will replace outdated teaching areas and temporary accommodation, create capacity for up to 150 additional pupils and provide 24 new specialist places for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), helping more local families access places close to home.

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The project follows earlier improvements, including converting the former music block into a SEND resourced provision and replacing a derelict swimming pool with a three-classroom building.

Bradford Council is leading delivery, backed by £14.3 million of Department for Education funding.

Jonathan Sizer, Regional Managing Director, Robertson Construction Yorkshire & East Midlands, said: "This inclusive, high-quality learning environment replaces outdated and temporary accommodation to support pupils, staff and the wider Bingley Community. We are continuing our working relationship with Bradford Council as a trusted partner in the education sector, delivering a project that meets the needs of the school while working with our local supply chain to ensure social and economic benefits are delivered throughout construction."

Cllr Sue Duffy said: "It was great to see students taking part in the ground breaking ceremony. This new build will give young people great places to learn. The new classrooms and improved SEND support will make a big difference for families across Bingley. It's a very exciting step for the school and the whole community."

Luke Weston, Headteacher from Bingley Grammar School, said: "Seeing the work begin was a proud moment for everyone. These new buildings will help our students learn and feel comfortable in school. We are very thankful for the support we have had, and we cannot wait to see the new building grow."