Phase one of the project will see the creation of the new school building for up to 240 pupils which will take approximately 56-weeks to complete, with some play surfaces retained.

Phase two will then take a further 33-weeks and involve carefully taking down the existing school to create the replacement play areas, as well as enhanced car parking provision.

Welcoming the decision, Councillor Kate Groucutt, St Helens Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Business, said:

“With very limited government funding provided to the council for rebuilding our schools, every year we have to make difficult decisions about how we allocate capital budgets, but the case for rebuilding Ashurst Primary School was very strong.  I’m confident the new building will support the learning and development of the children who attend the school, and be a facility that the school community can be proud of.”

Commenting on how much of a difference the redevelopment will make to the lives of pupils, Ashurst Primary School Headteacher, Lisa Houghton, said:

“We are delighted to be having a new facility that will ensure the very best learning environment for our children to thrive and achieve their potential.  The new modern building will provide the resources to support all our children on their educational journey, helping them to flourish and achieve ‘excellence everyday’. Staff and children at Ashurst are excited for the building work to commence.”

Work on the new school is expected to start in the autumn, with a construction management plan implemented to minimise disruption to pupils, teachers, parents and local residents during the development works.