MULTI-MILLION pound plans to completely rebuild a school have been approved.

The Government will fund the rebuilding of Ian Ramsey C of E School, in Hartburn, Stockton and it is hoped it will be opened by September next year.

Stockton Borough Council’s planning committee unanimously agreed the plan at a meeting on Wednesday at the Central Library.

The 1,200-place school will be built by contractor Robert McAlpine with money supplied through the Government’s priority schools rebuilding programme. It’s hoped work will start this summer.

The building will be located to the back of the existing northern site and a new access is planned in Fairfield Road, which will become the main site entrance. It will form an E-shape, and will be in two distinct areas, one for teaching and one for more community use and large group activities.

Objections were received from residents worried about traffic congestion and highway safety. However councillors were assured measures were in place to ensure safety.

As well as Ian Ramsey, Grangefield School, in Stockton, St Michael’s RC School, in Billingham and Mandale Mill Primary, in Thornaby will all receive a share from the £2bn national Priority School Building Programme.

James Wharton, Conservative MP for Stockton South, had accompanied education minister Michael Gove on a visit to the school.

Mr Wharton said: ““I am so pleased for the whole Ian Ramsey School community. I remember when I first visited, there was real concern that new buildings and significant investment was needed at a time when the government is trying to find savings and deal with the deficit.

"That we have been able to deliver funding for this important project, as well as for Grangefield School down the road, is really good news for pupils and parents in Stockton South.

“Now it has planning work can begin to deliver the modern facilities Ian Ramsey needs. It seems like only yesterday teachers were worried about having to use temporary classrooms and what the future would hold.

"Now we know: a brand new school on the same site with modern facilities. The governors and teachers who have worked so hard to deliver this project deserve huge praise.

"I am delighted we were able to persuade the Department for Education to make this important investment in the futures of our local children.”