A £3.6 million investment will see a county building firm transform a Gloucester school as its dramatic expansion plans move a step closer.

Following a public consultation, the Barnwood Park Arts College has made the decision to accept boys from September 2018.

The changes will see the school start offering co-educational provision for year seven intake creating an extra 30 places for local children.

Barnwood Park Arts College will then permanently expand from its current five forms of entry to six forms of entry from 1st September 2019, which will see intake increase from 150 to 180.

To make sure that the school is ready for the expansion, county council is committing just over £2 million to the plans for improved facilities, including a new sports hall. The remaining £1.6 million coming from the council's Basic Need Grant funding.

Gloucester-headquartered construction firm EG Carter has been named as the main contractor.

The council's contribution comes from the sale of Bishop's College site to Miller Homes and means that £0.899 million of basic need grant money can be moved back into the fund to support future improvement schemes at other schools.

Cllr Lynden Stowe (pictured), cabinet member for economy, skills and growth at the county council, said: "Pupil numbers have been rising in Gloucester primary schools since 2011 and the expansion of Barnwood Park Arts College will help meet those demands.

"This is a major investment from the council. I'm really pleased that we're providing a new sports hall and improved teaching facilities for both new and existing students to enjoy."

Cllr David Brown, local member for Barnwood and Hucclecote, said: "The new facilities are good news for the school and the local community.

"These will benefit students and residents for years to come, which can only be good for Barnwood.

"I will be working with the council to make sure that there is minimum disruption to nearby residents as part the school's ongoing expansion."

Sarah Tufnell, headteacher, said: "We're entering a really exciting new chapter for us and we look forward to welcoming boys as well as girls to the school.

"This funding is fantastic news and means we can offer facilities to help grow and develop our students into successful young adults equipped for life."