BUILDING works which lasted several months and cost nearly £4 million were nearing completion at Cirencester Deer Park school in March 1991.

When the mud, scaffolding and workmen disappear, the school would have a new look comprehensive for 11-16-year-olds and there would be a brand new tertiary college for older students.

The developments took place side by side at Deer Park where the school had just taken delivery of its new science area comprising seven laboratories and a preparation room.

Work was continuing on a new expressive arts building and a new library to be used by both establishments and, it was hoped, the general public.

And when the new academic year began in the following autumn, the college would open for the first time.

To celebrate, plans were underway for a summer bash incorporating music, dance and drama to mark the end of an area.

Ken Minshull, deputy head at the comprehensive school, said: “In the summer, the school will change from its present role in which it takes pupils between the ages of 11-18 and the older ones go into Cirencester Sixth Form.

“The school will instead become an 11-16 school with senior pupils then moving into the new college alongside, which will replace the existing Sixth Form unit.”

The historic moment in the school’s history was also marked by the retiring of headmaster David Saunders.

“It will be the end of an era in several ways and we hope to mark the occasion by organising a grand day of entertainment”, said Ken.