Lytham St Annes High School's delight at major Government funding

The list of schools, with individual shares as yet unspecified, follows Prime Minister Boris Johnson's announcement last summer of the fund which will allow construction work to start on 50 projects to create modern, energy efficient school buildings.

Primary, secondary and special schools have been selected as part of the first phase of the 10-year scheme and it is designed to pay for new classrooms, science labs, sports halls and dining rooms.

Lytham St Annes High School is the biggest school in Fylde borough, with more than 1,400 pupils and headteacher Ray Baker said: “This is wonderful news.

"We have worked closely with the Department for Education over recent months to see what might be possible on our site.

"Despite spending extensively to maintain our current facilities, it has become clear that a newly designed, environmentally friendly alternative would provide a facility for this area that would benefit everyone, for a long time to come.

"It is also exciting to be part of a scheme that commits to reducing the carbon footprint, aiming for us to be a Net Carbon Zero site.”

The project at the High School, based at Ansdell,will involve replacing 70 per cent of the classrooms as well as delivering new, state of the art sporting facilities.

“While we have always believed that the success and strength of our school is in the pupils, the culture and the behaviour, it will be lovely to match our excellent reputation and track record in the classroom with first class facilities," added Mr Baker.

"The lockdown has shown that our school can continues to flourish, even when the majority of students are learning at home."

Beverley Harrison, recently appointed chairman of Governors, said: “As an ex pupil of the school I couldn’t be happier that our pupils and staff will get super new classrooms and sports facilities they so richly deserve.”

News of the money comes after the recent completion of a £5.4m new technology block at the school, delivered by Lancashire County Council

The Lytham Schools Foundation has also worked with the school throughout the pandemic to ensure children in the area have not been disadvantaged by the school closure. Their support have allowed the school to create a bespoke Catch Up Centre to support any students who have struggled over lockdown.

Lynne Davies, Governors' vice-chairman, said: “LSA is an excellent school, with great staff and wonderful students.

"As governors, we support the school in providing the best possible resources and this is excellent news for everyone.

"We are proud of our school and looking at the numbers of students applying for place, it is clear that people locally recognise the exciting future we have ahead of us. With the buildings being replaced dating back to 1955, it is testament to the school that the facilities have remained so good for so long!”

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said: "The rebuilding projects are just the start of our major 10-year programme, transforming hundreds of schools and improving the education of tens of thousands of children."

Construction will begin on a number of the projects from autumn this year and the majority of the first 50 rebuild projects are expected to be completed within three to five years.

It is thanks to our loyal readers that we can continue to provide the trusted news, analysis and insight that matters to you. For unlimited access to our unrivalled local reporting, you can take out a subscription here and help support the work of our dedicated team of reporters.

Support us and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest football stories and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe