ONE school with cause for celebration after having its Building Schools for the Future funding confirmed is Harris Academy Purley.

The school in Kendra Hall Road, South Croydon, has been granted £18.9 million for its redevelopment.

This is exactly what had been promised originally and will pay for a new main building, a new sixth form centre and specialist facilities for all subject areas.

It will also get a full-size all-weather sports pitch and solar panels to generate 20 per cent of the school's energy.

Carol-Anne Alcock, principal of the academy, said: "The funding decision on our redevelopment is wonderful news.

"It means we will be able to press ahead with much-needed improvements which will raise standards and aspirations for generations to come.

"I am particularly pleased that we will be able to build a sixth form centre, as the knowledge that they can stay in the same school for longer will encourage students to continue their education after their GCSEs. Importantly, the building will also be a hub for the community who will be able to use our facilities, for example our gym, sports pitch and computers, after school and at weekends."

With the council's permission, building work could start in January, with completion scheduled for September 2012.