Building work has started on a new, state-of-the-art building for The Flying High Academy, Ladybrook, Mansfield.

A ceremony to mark the landmark was attended by representatives from The Flying High Trust, Nottinghamshire County Council, the Education Funding Agency, Kier Construction and Mansfield Mayor Mr Tony Egginton.

Tony Warsop, headteacher at the academy, said the school children were excited about the new building and were consulted throughout the design stages.

“The new building will support us in our Academy ethos, enabling us to support our pupils to excel to their full potential whilst maintaining our nurture provision for vulnerable learners.

“Our new hall will allow whole school assemblies and we will maintain our extensive school grounds, which is a real asset and one our pupils have great plans for.

“Finally, this community will have a school building to be proud of, one that it deserves and one in which their children will receive the best opportunities to equip them for their future.”

Mr Egginton said he was looking forward to the potential the new 420-place building would bring to Ladybrook pupils.

“This building will be fit for purpose and will give the community and pupils the opportunity to thrive. That’s what this is all about and as a Ladybrook lad, born and bred, it makes me proud.”

Dr Wendy Daley, a director of trust of which the Academy is a part, said: “I do a lot of work as an inclusion assessor and I want to see a school where the community is an integral part of it.”

Casey Smith, a year 5 pupil, gave a speech at the ceremony. “I try my best at everything I do and I am proud of my maths and English work,” she said.

“I love coming to the Flying High Academy but don’t like the holes in the walls and paint peeling off the walls. I can’t wait for the new school to help us to become the best school in the universe.”