A North East school is set to undergo a major £7.5m refurbishment project

The plans for Oxbridge Lane Primary School in Stockton will see the renovation of the existing school building, as well as new facilities such as a kitchen and entrance/lobby area.

The new plans will also see a new nursery area and entrance, a new multi-use games area, as well as solar panels and heat pumps added.

The proposals were approved at a meeting of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Planning Committee on Wednesday (May 8).

Lauren Amerigo, head teacher at the school, said: “The upgraded facilities will provide a modern and conducive learning environment for our pupils, enhancing their overall educational experience. These building works will help the school become more of a central community hub and will bring our nursery provision onto the same site and give Oxbridge Lane a school kitchen which will help provide our own healthy meals for the children.

“The school building is 135-years-old and it's important to ensure we keep the character of the building whilst also creating a modern provision, which is exactly what we are doing by staying on Oxbridge Lane.

“There are generations of families who have been through the school and it will be exciting for them to see the changes, which will also of course maintain the character of the school."

The works will be funded by the Council as part of its multi-million pound investment to improve school buildings across the borough.

Councillor Lisa Evans, Stockton Borough Council's cabinet member for children and young people, said: “These bold and exciting plans are going to make a huge difference to the staff and pupils at Oxbridge Lane Primary School, which is already rated as 'Good' by Ofsted.

“The modern facilities are set to be an absolute game-changer for the school and we're delighted to be funding the works.

“We are very proud of our investment in schools across the Borough, which is helping give our young people the very best start in life.

“We have a united approach to help all schools, whether they are maintained, diocesan or academies.”

The works at the primary school are set to begin in the summer.

One of the students at the school, Ibrahim, said: “It's really exciting and I can't wait to have our new library and classrooms.”

Another student, Oliver, said: “I like that we get the chance to make Oxbridge Lane Primary School even better."

While another student, Rafay, said: “I've been here since I was in Nursery and even though I won't be here when the work gets finished, I'd be proud to come back and see my old school.”