WORK has started on adding three new classrooms to a Bedale special school as the demand for places grows.

The classrooms are being built in time for the next academic year at Mowbray School in Masham Road.

Rishi Sunak MP was told about the school’s growth during a visit to thank and congratulate head teacher Jonathan Tearle on his impending retirement after 20 years leading the school.

Mr Tearle, who will retire at the end of this term, spoke to the Richmond MP about the growth in demand for places for children with special educational needs. In his time as head at Mowbray the school’s headcount has grown from 130 to 241 with an additional 54 pupils at the school’s Ripon site.

He said the new classrooms, funded largely from the school’s budget, would make a big difference but the school’s infrastructure still needed further investment.

During his visit Mr Sunak dropped in to all the classes to talk to pupils and staff and then spent time with the school council to talk to them about their school and also his work as MP and Chancellor.

Mr Sunak said: “In my visits to Mowbray I have always been impressed by the supportive atmosphere in the school and the wonderful attitude of the staff and pupils. Many pupils and their families will be grateful for what Mr Tearle has done in leading the team at this very special school.”