MULTI-million pound works to a Colchester school are on schedule for completion next year.

By August, St Benedict’s College, in Norman Way, will be home to a new extension for performing arts and a separate modern foreign languages block.

Pupils will also benefit from a modernisation and enlargement of their school hall.

The work will cost about £2 million in total, with about £750,000 secured in grants so far.

Headteacher John O’Hara said changing rooms at the extension were currently under construction.

Once complete, it will also include four practice rooms, a drama studio and toilets.

Mr O’Hara said: “Touch wood, there have been no hiccups yet – they haven’t dug up Boudicca, anyway!

“It will be a great area for music and performance arts.

“When it’s finished we’ll have four practice rooms where we currently have one, and they will include modern music technology alongside traditional equipment.

“The extension will really help pupils develop their skills.”

He added that the new languages block will raise the profile of the school, which became a modern foreign languages college in the summer.

Meanwhile, fundraising will now start in earnest for the £1.3 million modernisation and enlargement of the school hall.

“We will see what we can take from our budget and any additional sponsorship,” said Mr O’Hara.

“We’ll also be fundraising amongst parents and governors.

“Hopefully, we will be finished by August as anticipated.”