THE JOHN Masefield High School in Ledbury is to undergo a major revamp that will begin in October and run into the New Year.

The building work and improvements should be completed by late February, 2016; but until then there will be some disruption to overcome for staff and pupils.

During the work, every classroom in the main block will need to be closed for a period of four days per classroom, on a rolling programme, at the school will need to provide alternative classrooms for affected lessons during those periods.

Wendy Bradbeer, the school's business manager said: "It's major work and will take around four months to complete, beginning in the October half-term. Each classroom in the main block will be out of action for four days and alternative classrooms are planned."

But the work is needed to create "a better and safer working environment for students and staff".

The money, a total of £706,873, was awarded to the school last March, and the school is about to go out to tender.

The aim is to "improve the condition of the school buildings".

A school statement says: "The money will enable us to carry out major improvements works to our main school block. The work will include replacing fire doors, installing new windows and making improvements to the outside fabric of the building. Not only will this lead to a better and safer working environment for students and staff it will also increase our energy efficiency."

Ledbury's mayor, Cllr Annette Crowe welcomed the announcement, calling it "great news".

She said: "It's great news if it makes the building safer and more comfortable for students and staff. The building does need refurbishment. It is a bit tired, and this is money well spent."

While many of the school blocks are modern, such as the sports centre and the sixth form block, other parts of the complex are half a century old.