MILLIONS of pounds are to be spent on school buildings across the county to improve the learning environment for pupils.

North Yorkshire Education Service has given the go-ahead for £35m to be spent on schools, starting in April. That is £8m more than was spent in the current financial year.

The money will fund the improvement of facilities, the building of classrooms, libraries and new schools.

The windfall recognises the close link between pupil attainment and the environment in which they study.

North Yorkshire's director of education, Cynthia Welbourn, said: "These projects mark the continued improvement of schools in the county over a number of years because we believe having the right environment for children is crucial for learning."

Major projects and minor works will be carried out in primary and secondary schools, many of which date back to the Victorian era and rely on temporary classrooms.

Some of the larger developments include:

* A £1m school will be built at Middleton Tyas, near Richmond, and £1m-worth of improvements will be made to Scalby, Upper Wharfdale and Wensleydale secondary schools,

* Tadcaster Grammar School will develop its sixth form to include a library and technology rooms costing a total of £1.2m,

* Harrogate Grammar School will get an information technology suite and be upgraded and redecorated throughout at a total cost of £550,000,

* Giggleswick Primary School, near Settle, will receive £500,000 to fund an extension and modernisation programme,

* Extra classrooms will be built at Hertford Vale Primary School, Willerby Staxton, near Scarborough, and Sheriff Hutton Primary School, near York, costing £150,000 each.

A number of village schools, including Kirk Smeaton, Long Marston, Starbeck, Snainton and Filey, will also undergo improvements costing more than £2m.

County Councillor Chris Metcalfe, executive member for education, said: "The projects in each school are all different and are designed to meet particular needs.

"This investment shows we are committed to providing the very best facilities for our pupils.

"I am looking forward to them coming on stream when they will make a real difference to the working environment of children and teachers."