Work on a state-of-the-art sixth form block at a Marlow school is well underway, with the head teacher saying the finished article will be "beautiful".

Geralyn Wilson said the £1million transformation of the school’s old gym will be completed in May, with the much-needed resource available for the next year 12 intake.

The sixth form centre will feature an advanced dedicated study space for years 12 and 13, IT facilities and its own catering outlet.

Mrs Wilson said: "It will be absolutely beautiful. It will be fabulous for out sixth formers, and to attract the best teachers here and keep students here.

"It’s a real state-of-the-art facility to provide students a purpose-built area for study. It is very attractive with lots of colour and it will add to the experience of our students.

"The school will be fit for the 21st century in an international context."

Currently, years 12 and 13 have no dedicated space to study and with numbers swelling to 240 next year, the school hopes to expand intake to 260 in future years.

Mrs Wilson returned to Great Marlow after Christmas after an 18-month stint helping turn around the fortunes of Mandeville School in Aylesbury.

Deputy head Linton Nash, who was acting head in her absence, has now moved on, with geography teacher Guy Pendlebury promoted to assistant head.

Mrs Wilson said: "Coming back to Great Marlow is an enormous pleasure, I tell the students it’s like coming home.

"It’s a great school and a pleasure to return to, the welcome from staff and pupils has been fantastic."