Work has started on exciting plans for a transformational building project at Truro Prep School.

Located next to the hospital at Treliske, the development will include six classrooms, an assembly/performance hall and a separate studio. Subsequent work will include landscaping to provide a new informal play area, covered play area and enhanced parking facilities.

Benefiting years three to six, the new development will enhance the delivery of the school’s unique Prep School Diploma which aims to offer a broad range of experiences in order to develop good interpersonal skills and forge well-rounded pupils.

Sarah Patterson, who took over as head of Truro Prep School last September, said: "We are very excited about our new, long-awaited building project. The children will benefit hugely; they will have brand new classrooms designed to provide outdoor learning opportunities, and an extended playing area. Our new assembly hall will ensure that drama and music productions will be showcased as they deserve as well as providing a place for quiet reflection."

This is the first major development for Truro Prep School since 2009 when Willday House, also known as Truro Pre-Prep, was significantly extended to create more space for children from nursery to year two. Truro Pre-Prep has since moved forward to be rated "outstanding" by ISI in all four categories for early years foundation stage.

The new development, designed in collaboration with NVB Architects and Ward Williams Associates, is intended to be sympathetic to its historic surroundings, while at the same time providing bright and inviting teaching spaces. The new construction will also incorporate the latest technology, sustainable energy features and solar power.

The project is set to take 12 months to complete with pupils expected to start benefiting in the spring term of 2018.

Ms Patterson added: “It is our aim to instil pupils with abilities across a broad curriculum and maximise their potential. The new development will certainly help us to achieve this by strengthening the delivery of our core academic subjects as well as performing arts. We look forward to seeing the development take shape throughout 2017.”

Truro Prep School’s open morning takes place on Saturday, March 11, when visitors will be able to see the full extent of the plans on mood boards.