BUILDING work costing £3.3 million has started at Oldham's Mayfield Primary School as it prepares to extend to two forms of entry.

Pupils from the school were joined by council leader Sean Fielding and Tim Mitchell, vice chair of the Cranmer Education Trust, which runs the school, to formally open the project.

Headteacher Mark Couper-Barton said: “I am feeling very positive and excited about the plans to develop Mayfield into a two-form entry school.

"Our school is very popular and currently over-subscribed, and the additional places will be welcome in the community.

"Staff here will be working extremely hard to ensure that our high standards continue, and that Mayfield will continue to raise the bar in serving our pupils and families.”

The build will create an additional 30 pupil places in reception, starting in September. The extension will provide eight classrooms in a new two storey block with extensions to dining and hall facilities and extended nursery facilities.

Chair of trustees Janet Gregory said: “Our trustees have been working very hard to ensure that the highest standards of leadership and governance are in place to deliver high-quality teaching and learning.

"The £3.3 million investment by the local authority for the growth of our school is testament to the hard work that has, and is, making Mayfield so good.”

The building works will be carried out by Parkinsons, a local North West firm, experienced in extending school properties and delivering outstanding projects with the highest standards of safety and security.

Julie Hollis, chief executive of the Cranmer Education Trust (which also runs The Blue Coat School, East Crompton St George’s Primary School, the Manchester Nexus SCITT and the Northern Alliance Teaching School) said: “The new building will provide excellent teaching spaces with quality facilities which the children in this community deserve. I have great confidence that Mayfield will continue to go from strength to strength.”

Cllr Fielding said: “Oldham Council is delighted to have supported Mayfield with a £3.3 million investment for this much-needed extension.

“We are committed to ensuring children are given the best possible start in life and every child gets educated in a modern environment.

“We look forward to seeing the project take shape and the new pupils take their places later this year.