THE first stage of a multi-million school redevelopment is almost complete with pupils set to move into their new premises in January.

Workers from Sir Robert McAlpine have spent the last 12 months creating a replacement main school building at King James I Academy, in South Church Road, Bishop Auckland.

The project is set to finish within the next two weeks and teaching will begin on Wednesday, January 7.

The new campus is the first phase of the £10.5million project, with work set to commence in January on refurbishing the Grade II-listed building, which is also used for teaching on site.

Once this has been completed the redundant main building will be demolished in June and will make way for more sports pitches.

The changes will also increase the capacity of the school from 770 pupils to 950.

Headteacher Nick Grieveson said the pupils and staff were excited about the move into the new building.

“It has taken about a year but the builders have been brilliant,” he said. “It has been a really good working relationship and it has not impacted on education.

“It looks fantastic and everything is on target. The refurbishment of the Grade II-listed building, which is about 100 years old, will start straightaway.”

This work will include repairing the roof and stone work, replacing windows, rewiring and replacing the floor.

The new building boosts more space for performing arts, including raised seating; a four-court sports hall and colour-coded subject areas.

Mr Grieveson said: “The children have been very involved with the project and they will welcome this with open arms.

“We have seen a big increase in our sixth form, it has been a real growth area for us.

“Performing arts is also massive here so it is great we now have so much more space.”

The school is already used by the community but with improved facilities, it is hoped there will be even more opportunities for people to get involved.

It is expected Bishop Auckland Cricket Club, which is also based on South Church Road, will use the indoor cricket facilities.

Mr Grieveson added: “It is all very excited and we can’t wait to get started in the new year.”