STUDENTS are celebrating the first phase of their school’s £32million revamp.

This week, pupils at Richmond School showed of their new, state-of-the-art sixth form centre to prospective students and their parents.

The centre is part of the first £9.8million stage in the school’s redevelopment, which is expected to be complete by the end of 2011.

Housed in a building listed for its historical and architectural importance, the centre features up-to-date resources including interactive white boards, an internet café, and desks with hidden computer screens.

There is also a 300-seat theatre as well as dance studios, offices and a bistro.

Hannah Lawrence, head girl at the school, said: “The new sixth form centre has got a really nice feel to it, as it mixes really modern with traditional.”

Matt Clark, head boy, said: “I think it works so well because the original architecture was innovative in its day, and some of the features still look modern now.

“It has been a really exciting project, and we enjoyed talking to the architect about what we felt was needed and what was worrying us. “We think the end result is fantastic.”

North Yorkshire County Coun Jim Clark, executive member for schools, said Richmond School would be “reborn” as one of the country’s best schools.

“The new school is going to be a fantastic resource, equipped with the very latest and best educational facilities,” he said.

“This sixth form centre marks the beginning of the rebirth of Richmond School as one of the finest schools in the country. “It is an outstanding example of North Yorkshire’s commitment to ensuring its education service remains one of the best in the land.”

Deputy head girl, Sophie Offord, added: “It has always been great here because you know everyone, and now we have the facilities to rival any college in the region.”

The next phase in the redevelopment of Richmond School will be the opening of the sports hall later this month.