Principal Angela Reynolds, along with Brooke Weston Trust chiefs and partners from the construction industry and Northants County Council, had their first glimpse of our new extension.

Work is now well underway on the new £6.8m project, which will double the number of our students along with the size of our accommodation. The 3,308 sq.m extension comprises extra classrooms, a drama studio, lecture theatre, media studies and music department including practice rooms plus provision for the new Sixth Form which starts this September.

Mrs Reynolds, along with Brooke Weston Trust CEO Dr Andrew Campbell, former CEO and Vice Chair of CTS, Sir Peter Simpson and board member Phil Harris-Bridge toured the building with professionals from GSS Architecture, Pick Everard, Wates, Scape Procure and Northants County Council who have all been instrumental in the design and build process.

So far the project has involved the removal of 11,000 cubic metres of soil, the pouring of foundations, drainage installation and now the steel framework and concrete flooring has been put into place on the two-storey building.

Tom Lyons, a partner in GSS Architecture said: ‘The design features for this build have been driven by the original school. We worked with the Trust to develop the brief and create the same feel and quality finishes while taking into account the site and environment.’

Olly Hatton, project manager from Pick Everard said: ‘The project is progressing well. There are currently around 30 people a day on site but as the build progresses and the finishing trades come in we may double or triple that number.’

Peter Bignell from Scape Procure said: ‘It is all about the ability to work collaboratively and everyone is so positive. We all have the same vision. Ultimately it is all about the smiles on the faces of the students when they move in so this is all about improving their opportunities.’

Currently the school has a Year 7 intake of 75, which will double to 150 when the new build, including expansion of the car park and alteration of existing classrooms, is complete. The school, which is oversubscribed, was earmarked for expansion by Northamptonshire County Council, which is funding the scheme.

Kay Ringwood, manager of school admissions and strategic planning at Northants County Council said: ‘We need student places in Corby and it is really good for us to come and see what we are spending the money on. It is a fantastic, spacious site, located right in the centre of town but with greenery and wonderful views.’

Mrs Reynolds said: ‘This was an great opportunity to tour the new structure and get a first impression as to how the space will work and where all the new classrooms and facilities will be. It is another exciting phase in Corby Technical School's development and it will be amazing when the students can experience it for themselves.'