WORK on the new buildings for Sarum Academy could get underway this year after the school received £15.5million in government funding.

After months of uncertainty the project’s supporters learned last month that money would be available to transform the outdated buildings.

Although the £15.5million grant is less than the original £24million scheme that could have totally rebuilt the campus, principal Ruth Johnson said the money would be enough to rebuild large parts of the school and refurbish the rest.

“This is a wonderful chance to deliver a school that is fit for purpose and gives our students every opportunity,” she said.

“It is a very exciting time. We will be taking some of the best elements of other academies and there will be lots of consultation with staff and students to get something that really works for us.”

Although it was feared the delay in releasing funds would set the project back, Mrs Johnson said the new buildings could still open by 2013 if not before.

“They are looking to streamline the process and I’m hopeful that things will move quite quickly,” she said.

“We don’t have a timetable yet but building could start at the end of this year.

“The parts of the school that do remain will be totally refurbished – not just a lick of paint - and we have a whole list of new facilities we would like to see.”

The academy, which replaced Salisbury High School in September, is keen to continue its enrichment programme, which enables students to take part in extra curricular activities as well as extra lessons in key subjects.

And Mrs Johnson said that improving academic standards is also crucial.

“Buildings aren’t everything but they can make a difference,” she said. “There have already been great improvements since we became an academy. We need to build on that in the long term and also give our year 10 and 11 students the best possible chance now.”

Early signs are that applications for the academy are up on previous years and Mrs Johnson said that parents and the community are becoming more involved with the school.

“This money is the good news that this area needs." she said.

“This school has not been fit for purpose since the old girls and boys schools merged all those years ago.

“The children and staff are really excited - this is something that most of them will benefit from in the time they are at the school.

“We have had a change of culture and are feeling positive about the future.

“My aim is that the academy will offer a real choice for Salisbury.”

Jill Harding - The Salisbury Journal 20/01/2011