PART of a York primary school is set to be demolished and replaced with a new building.

Badger Hill Primary School, next to Archbishop Holgate’s CE School in Heslington, will see a new four-classroom wing built on grass next to the existing school.

Planning permission was granted for the project in November and construction work is due to start next year.

The new single storey building also features a main hall, kitchen, staff room, library, reception area, cloakrooms, toilets and offices.

Head teacher Vicky Whittingham said: “It’s fantastic news to now have planning in place, the children and staff are really excited to get the go ahead for the new school.

"The new building will allow for a more flexible way of learning in modern light-filled classrooms. Having a larger hall will also provide us with more opportunities for sports and whole school events.”

Badger Hill Primary School is part of Pathfinder Multi Academy Trust and the current school dates back to the 1960s.

Under the plans, the older part of the building will be demolished once the new wing is completed so there will be no need for temporary classrooms.

A spokesman for the school said work can start at the site once funding has been agreed.

The planning application says: "The majority of the school’s buildings have passed their economic and structural lifespan. It is proposed to retain the most modern school building on site and to remodel it.

"Many of the existing school buildings on the site are relatively run down and the proposals will enhance the facilities for the pupils’ education."

Michelle Bowling, operations manager at the Pathfinder MAT, added: “We are delighted that our plans for the new school have been approved, this represents a significant milestone in the project. We are now working will all the relevant agencies to build a school for the future which will offer a high standard of education, in an inspiring, innovative and creative environment that will benefit young people for many years to come.”

There will not be an increase in the number of pupil places under the proposals and a spokesman said the school remains committed to continuing to run Little Badgers Nursery at the site.