The permanent home project for Turing House School ‘has a spring in its step’ according to its leaders as design work gets underway.

The team behind plans for a permanent home for Turing House School have this week completed a second round of initial design meetings with the contractors bidding to build the school.

This follows completion of the acquisition of the Hospital Bridge Road site by the Education and Skills Funding Agency last month.

Colin Mackinlay, Head of Turing House School said: “We are delighted that the design process for the new permanent home is well underway.

“We are looking forward to sharing the draft plans with our school community, our new neighbours and the wider borough later in the year as part of a consultation process and ahead of the planning application being submitted.

“We are also looking forward to welcoming our new Year 7s into the Clarendon School site in September.

“The ESFA will be undertaking works over the summer months to have it ready for our new intake including; labs, workshops, ICT, music and both indoor and outdoor spaces for PE.”

Councillor Susan Chappell, cabinet member for schools, described the news as "one more step on the journey of providing a permanent home within the west of the borough".

She added: “I know that these negotiations took longer than expected, but, I hope that our announcement of interim accommodation will reassure parents, carers and children that the Council is committed to supporting Turing House.

“I am also pleased that the school has reaffirmed their commitment to review their admissions policy. Ensuring that Turing also benefits children and families near to their new permanent home is vital to its future success.”

It's hoped that the school will open in the next three years.