STUDENTS have hailed the £4.1m transformation of their school as "superb".

The shiny new facilities at Ulverston Victoria High School are proving to be very popular with students and staff after coming into use this term.   The secondary and sixth form, which educates some 1,300 11-18-year-olds, has been extended and refurbished by Esh Border Construction.

An ultra modern two-storey extension showcases the school's learning support department on the ground floor and the sixth form centre on the first floor. Large glass windows in both areas give fantastic views out over the extensive sports fields and beyond that to south Ulverston, GSK and Cartmel Fell.

Roger Cahalin, an assistant head at UVHS who has managed the project for the school, said: "There are not many schools in the country that have views like this.

"These are fantastic facilities which are long overdue for this school. We are delighted to have taken them over."

A-Level student Emma Nelson is impressed with the sixth form study centre which connects to the library.

The 18-year-old, of Ulverston, said: "It's very benefical for the sixth form.

"This is a really good place to study, it's great.

"The views are really nice."

The sixth form also continues to use the Todbusk building this academic year until it is handed back to Cumbria County Council.

The learning support department has been named The Townlands Building, as it received financial backing from The Townlands Trust.

There are classrooms, ICT, a physio room and dining space all placed together.

Mr Cahalin said: "The learning support has gone from cramped facilities that were not fit for purpose, into brand new state-of-the-art, airy, roomy facilities and ones which the children richly deserve."

Jordan McGarry, 13, said: "It's absolutely superb," while Loui (CORRECT) Athersmith, 13, said: "I really like the view."

The former learning support department in the main school building has been turned into three modern new maths rooms.

The school also has six new science labs and a transformed design and technology and art department.

The final part of the project to be completed is The Cloister, a glass fronted space which leads to the dining hall, and again overlooks the sports fields and new terraced area. This is to be ready over the coming weeks.

Mr Cahalin thanked Esh Border Construction, and all those who have worked with the school on the redevelopment.

Cumbria County Council contributed £3m to the project.

A spokesman for Esh Border Construction, said: "We have been really excited to be involved in this fantastic project and have relished the challenge of meeting the school's high expectations as it has prepared to move on to a rewarding new chapter in its history."

Families can look around the new facilities at the opening evening on October 1 from 5.30pm to 8pm.