Robert Clack School of Science in Dagenham has opened 12 classrooms as part of a £43.75 million investment programme.

Barking and Dagenham Post: Year Seven pupils at the Robert Clack School of Science will use the new classrooms. Picture: Ken MearsYear Seven pupils at the Robert Clack School of Science will use the new classrooms. Picture: Ken Mears (Image: Archant)

Pupils at the Gosfield Road school will benefit from the expansion, which includes a food technology lab, kitchen and bigger dining hall.

Headteacher and former pupil, Russell Taylor, said: “The new classrooms are brilliant and will enable teachers and students to continue to strive for excellence.

“Our school motto is ‘For the brave nothing is difficult’ and so it proved for the team delivering the expansion which was accomplished in just seven months.”

The extension was overseen by Be First and built by Mid Group, who added a ‘Constructionarium’ for construction-themed lessons.

Barking and Dagenham Post: Headteacher Russell Taylor, Mike ODell from Mid Group, pupil Dylan Taylor, cllr Carpenter, Darren Cutts from Be First, Grace Pell and Nicole Montgomery. Picture: Andrew BakerHeadteacher Russell Taylor, Mike ODell from Mid Group, pupil Dylan Taylor, cllr Carpenter, Darren Cutts from Be First, Grace Pell and Nicole Montgomery. Picture: Andrew Baker (Image: © 2018 Andrew Baker studio@andrewbakerphotographer.com)

Darren Cutts from Be First said: “I am particularly pleased to see the school looking to teach building skills. There is a shortage of skilled labour in the UK, so the more young people are trained in carpentry, brick laying and other skills, the better.”