School big-wigs are hoping their cramped premises will be top of the class after being given a new lease of life thanks to a government cash boost.

Angel Road Junior and Infant School was confirmed to be part of the government's £2bn School Rebuilding Programme funding in December.

Those in charge of the school and associated Evolution Academy Trust are relieved to have been put forward for the grant.

Debbie Henderson, headteacher at Angel Road Schools, said: "We're absolutely delighted to have been selected to receive this additional funding. 

Norwich Evening News: Angel Road Junior and Infant School are included in the government's £2bn school rebuilding programmeAngel Road Junior and Infant School are included in the government's £2bn school rebuilding programme (Image: Newsquest)

"All members of our school community are very excited to be able to develop our one site much further and this will make such a significant impact on the education and wider opportunities we give all of our children."

The announcement comes after Angel Road Junior was forced to close in July 2021 after a second incident in the space of a month where debris fell from a ceiling. 

That meant children from the junior school had to move over to the infant school across the road.

And while the dilapidated former junior school building - which is over 100 years old - remains unused, two temporary classrooms were installed on the infant school site in time for the new school year.

The injection of cash into the school will help with updating and modernising buildings by creating state-of-the-art sports halls, music rooms, science labs and dining areas.

Dr Craig Avieson, chief executive of Evolution Academy Trust which runs Angel Road Schools, added: "This buildings project presents an incredible opportunity to ensure children at Angel Road Schools get the very best facilities and resources.

"We're delighted to have been one of the very few multi-academy trusts (MATs) in our region to have been selected to receive this funding, and greatly appreciate the support of our local MP."

It's not yet known specifically how much funding has been given but all new buildings will be more energy efficient for future winter resilience and net-zero carbon in operation.