STAFF and pupils at Winterbourne International Academy are celebrating the news it will be given a £19.3 million rebuild.

The school, which is part of the Ridings’ Federation, was informed of the capital funding by the Department for Education just before Christmas.

Dr Rob Gibson, chief executive principal, said the school was more than happy, considering the current spending cuts facing the country.

He said: "This really is fantastic news for the students, staff, local governors, trustees and the Winterbourne community when we consider the government have had to take some tough decisions on spending in order to address the public expenditure deficit.

"This is an exciting opportunity to generate a building which will ensure that staff and students have the facilities in order to deliver teaching and learning appropriate for their future.

"This capital funding has now secured a very bright future not only for the students of today but for the students of tomorrow."

Dr Gibson said the academy would now work with the government to provide Winterbourne with a state-of-the-art secondary school.

Earlier this year the Ridings’ Federation was given £16 million by the government to rebuild Yate International Academy, formerly the King Edmund School site.

Chris Smith, acting chairman of the academy trust, said everybody was delighted with the news.

He said: "We can now look forward to both academies within The Ridings’ Federation having first class accommodation in which to continue the development and delivery of an innovative international curriculum.

"We would like to express our thanks to all those who have been involved in this funding bid and to our staff whose enthusiasm and professionalism helps inspire our students to be lifetime learners in an increasingly global economy."

The Ridings’ Federation of Academies was established in September 2009. Winterbourne International Academy has approximately 1,870 students.