(Image: submitted)
More than 1,300 people attended an open evening to learn about major plans for a school’s future.
Ilkley Grammar School welcomed prospective students, parents, and carers to the event earlier this month, where visitors heard about a £52 million redevelopment funded by the Department for Education as part of the School Rebuilding Programme.
The first phase of the scheme includes a major new teaching block and remains on track for completion by Easter 2027.
Carly Purnell, executive headteacher, said: "Open Evening is always a wonderful opportunity to showcase our school, our students and the incredible range of opportunities available at IGS.
The new teaching block at Ilkley Grammar School which remains on track for completion by Easter 2027 (Image: submitted)
"This year it was particularly exciting to be able to share the progress being made on our School Rebuilding Programme and the opportunities it will create for future generations of young people."
Families toured the school, met students and staff, and explored subject areas and activities.
They also learned about the broad range of academic, creative, sporting, and leadership opportunities available at Ilkley Grammar School.
Many visitors expressed excitement about their children potentially being among the first to use the new teaching facilities.
The new teaching block at Ilkley Grammar School which remains on track for completion by Easter 2027 (Image: submitted)
The new teaching block will benefit Year 7 students starting next September, offering modern learning, teaching, and dining facilities from the outset of their secondary education.
The first phase will deliver upgraded classrooms and resources across the curriculum, with a particular focus on STEM.
This will include specialist science labs, technology workshops, maths rooms, ICT suites, and media facilities designed to support future scientists, engineers, programmers, and innovators.
The development will also include dedicated drama studios, music rooms, and a performance hall.
An artist's impression of the interior of the new teaching block at Ilkley Grammar School (Image: submitted)
An inclusive learning suite will provide high-quality specialist accommodation to support a diverse range of learners.
An extensive Learning Resource Centre and a dedicated post-16 study space will further promote independent study, research, and academic achievement.
The new teaching block at Ilkley Grammar School which remains on track for completion by Easter 2027 (Image: submitted)
Mrs Purnell said: "The new facilities will be transformational, but it is what happens within them that matters most.
"They will provide our students with outstanding environments in which to learn, create, perform, collaborate and thrive.
"The School Rebuilding Programme enables us to combine the strengths of an already highly successful school with facilities that will inspire ambition, broaden opportunity and serve our community for decades to come."
The wider redevelopment will continue beyond the completion of the teaching block.
Construction of a new sports centre and swimming pool is expected to begin in April 2027, offering additional opportunities for students and the wider community.
The school will host its Post-16 Open Day on Wednesday, November 11, where prospective students and families can find out more about the sixth form’s academic and enrichment programmes, as well as long-term site improvements.