A first look inside the £17 million new Helston Community College has been given ahead of its much-anticipated opening next month.

It was a moment that staff feared may never happen, following years of failed funding promises, but those worries are now in the past.

The school’s North Site has been completely redeveloped, with all but the separate, newer languages block replaced by a new three-tier building taking in C-Block (maths and English), D-Block (science and PE) and E-Block (technology), plus a large sports hall, separate assembly hall and reception area.

Now the Packet can reveal what await students when they return for the new school year on September 9 in this set of photographs.

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A bright and colourful dining area with entrance walkway above. Photos: Kathy White 

They include a large sports hall, a theatre and music venue complete with tiered seating, the college’s own gym with exercise and weights equipment for students, and study areas will views across the valley.

Other facilities include a purpose-built dance studio and large commercial kitchen to feed the 1,300 or so students that attend the school and sixth form.

Work has been underway for almost 18 months, with the official turf cutting ceremony taking place last April.

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A study area with views across the valley

At the time headteacher Wayne Jenkins said: "This is a landmark moment for the college. The young people of Helston and the surrounding areas deserve high quality learning facilities and I am so excited that BAM are on site and construction is underway.

"Staff can finally look forward to working in a stimulating and comfortable environment that enhances what they are trying to achieve with the students in their care."

Executive headteacher Donna Bryant agreed: "It has been a lengthy process to reach this point. As I pass the building site each day, I cannot help smiling. I am so pleased for the children and the staff. This will make such a big difference to them."

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A purpose-built theatre and music venue for lessons and performances

The college had to fight to win funding for the rebuild for almost a decade and was twice let down before finally getting a commitment from the government's Priority School Building Programme, announced by then-deputy prime minister Nick Clegg in the run up to the 2015 General Election.

The project has not finished yet, however. Next up will be the demolition of the old, dilapidated buildings from the 1960s, to make way for outdoor sports facilities and disabled car parking.

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The school has its own gym (above) and sports hall (below)

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