Bulldozers arrive at Cambridge school for demolition of run-down buildings

Demolition work begins on the first phase of the 10 million redevelopment at North Cambridge Academy. From left back row Liam Brady Demolition Supervisor for Mick George, Wates Project Manager Glenn Hutson, with pupils Chloe Soer 11 and Anais Lewis 11, with front from left Alison Bell-Gannon 13, Max Guskov-Harrison 11 and Lewis Milne 11. Picture: Keith Heppell

A school is preparing to enter a new era with the demolition of its eyesore buildings ahead of a 10 million revamp.

North Cambridge Academy was fast-tracked by the Government for the rebuild after the buildings were described by former headteacher Ben Slade, who left the school when it was known as The Manor, as "resembling a 1960s car park".

The construction project, which saw the demolition process start today, is seen as a crucial part of the school's turnaround. It had the ninth worst GCSE results in the country in 2012, where just one in five pupils got at least five A*-C grades including English and maths.

This year's results saw a dramatic improvement, but principal Martin Campbell said the old buildings were not "fit for purpose" and children had for many years been taught in classrooms that were in "a state of disrepair and dilapidation".

He said this week: "It's great to see work now fully underway to create a state-of-the-art North Cambridge Academy.

"We want to give young people the top quality education they deserve at the very heart of their community. We believe this new facility will do just that.

"So much has happened since we opened in September 2013. GCSE results have improved hugely, we've introduced a new house system and we feel part of the community.

"Now the Academy and its students are set to get some fantastic facilities and these will help us to continue on our upward trajectory."

The new school in Arbury Road will be constructed alongside the existing buildings meaning the school will continue to function on the site during the works, which is being carried out by Wates Construction Northern Home Counties & East.

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Bulldozers arrive at Cambridge school for demolition of run-down buildings