A MAJOR £1m scheme at a leading North Yorkshire school will see pupils move into new state of the art teaching facilities.

The project at Cundall Manor School, at Helperby, near Thirsk, is underway and it is expected to be completed by September.

The plan will see a new home built for pupils aged between 13-16-years in the independent school’s upper school.

It will comprise of eleven classrooms with two fully equipped modern science labs, sports changing rooms, meeting and staff rooms.

Headmaster Peter Philips said: "It is a major milestone in the school’s history "Traditionally, Cundall Manor has focused on preparing children for top senior schools.

"The new building will allow us to expand from our role as a top prep school to include a senior school with excellent tuition to GCSE level."

Based in parkland at Cundall village between Thirsk and York the school provides an education for boys and girls aged between two and 16-years.

The school has increased its pupil numbers dramatically over the last eight years with them rising up to 350 from 80.

Catering for youngsters aged between 13-16-years the upper school was launched in 2005 and it has proved a success.

The upper school has proven so popular that the school’s governors launched an appeal to pay for the extension.

While the work is taking place the 60 senior school pupils are currently being housed in temporary accommodation.

The site of the development is a former school car park formerly used by staff and visitors.