WORK is due to start on a new block of classrooms at a Forest school – and it can’t come quickly enough for young mathematicians.

The £1.4 million block of six classrooms at Dene Magna School at Mitcheldean, which replace a building that dates back to the 1920s, is due to open this time next year.

It will mean the demolition of the oldest building in the school which generations of Dene Magna and Abenhall School pupils before them will remember.

Headteacher Steve Brady said: “We’re delighted to have this investment and the improved facilities it will bring.

“The current maths building has been there since the 1920s and it is no longer fit for purpose.

“It is a building that has lots of character and many people in Mitcheldean will remember being taught in it but it is very hot in the summer and very cold in the winter.”

The £1.4 million has come from the Education Funding Agency and is the first substantial government investment for at least a decade.

Mr Brady said: “When we converted to an academy we were prudent with our finances and when we had our new library the school paid for it and it was just shy of £300,000.”

The new classrooms will be larger than the current, cramped accommodation.

Most of the building work will be done in the holidays to keep disruption to a minimum.

Planning permission has been granted by the Forest of Dean District Council.