SKIPTON Building Society has pledged £50,000 towards Skipton Girls’ High School's new £1.7 million learning centre for science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The school has already been awarded a grant of £1 million by the Department of Education and governors have pledged £200,000 to help it achieve its goal.

In December, it launched an ambitious fundraising drive to get the remaining £500,000.

The new build will replace old, temporary classrooms and provide new state-of-the-art learning environments for both school and community use.

Headteacher Jenn Plews said: "We are highly delighted that Skipton Building Society is able to support the school and fundraising campaign with a pledge of £50,000, and in return we will name one of the new learning zones after them and recognise the work of their organisation.

"This generous and kind donation will be used to fit out one of the innovative science learning laboratories with a wealth of resources."

Skipton Building Society is also working in partnership with the school to deliver work experience placements and apprenticeships, as well as raising the aspirations of learners through tailored careers events and workshops.

Work began on the new building at the end of December and the construction company, Torpoint, is forging ahead with a completion date of September this year

As a nationally recognised engineering academy, the school works hard to provide an innovative and academic learning experience which is not constrained by gender stereotypes.

Mrs Plews added: "We believe that the new STEM Learning Centre will transform the learning and aspirations of our students, primary-aged learners and the wider community, now and into the future.

"SGHS actively collaborates with and supports schools, both locally and nationally through the work of Northern Lights Teaching School Alliance and works alongside a range of partners from industry, commerce and the wider educational sector to share teaching and learning best practice."

Full details of the fundraising and new build can be found on the school’s website at sghs.org.uk