School set to be completely rebuilt in programme

A school's buildings are expected to be entirely replaced by 2030 after it was chosen to be part of a government school rebuilding programme.

John O'Gaunt School in Hungerford, Berkshire, initially bid to the Department for Education to replace its sports hall and one of its blocks.

But the school, which has about 440 pupils, said that it became "apparent" that its whole complex needed to be replaced as surveys across its site progressed.

Head teacher Richard Hawthorne said the school community was "completely thrilled" by the plan and that it was a "massive story" for Hungerford and its surrounding villages.

Construction on the current school buildings started in 1962 and was finished in 1963, Hawthorne said.

"We knew it was an old building and needed a lot of maintenance but as the surveys kept coming in, we realised the extent of some of the issues that not only my school but other schools of this age face, like collapsed drains.

"We have asbestos, which we manage as you're required to do."

The school's main hall is currently out of action because maintenance is being undertaken on its ceiling and other roofing works have been done across the site.

Work to replace the buildings is expected to start in spring 2028 and be finished in 2030.