Construction is underway on a new co-ed boarding house at Rendcomb College.

Work has begin on the extension and refurbishment on the house which will welcome both boys and girls from September .

Currently the building known as Godman House is home to girls at the college in years 7 to 9 aged 11-14 , but after the summer the school will open the extended 40-bed house to boys as well.

The move will continue the co-eduction enjoyed by pupils in the junior school.

Pupils Bella Roberts and William Wolton will both be among the first group of pupils to move into the house when they join Year 7 and 8 in September.

Bella said: “"I am looking forward to seeing the new house and being able to see my big brother more during the day."

William, who is currently in the boys’ house which is merging with the girls’ house said: “I am looking forward to having much more space!”

The house will separate boys' and girls' wings with a common room in the centre.

Also in the house will be study rooms, changing rooms, a kitchen and a game rooms.

A full team of pastoral staff will live on-site in the house’s staff quarters and they will ensure that all of the children in the house are supported and feel at home.

Head of college, Rob Jones said: “Opening a co-educational house has many benefits for our pupils, not least the further development of the family atmosphere for which Rendcomb is rightly proud.

"By bringing the Year 7 to 9 pupils into one purpose-built building, the pupils can enjoy excellent facilities in an environment that is similar to family life.

"This building is another example of our commitment to outstanding pastoral care for boarding and day pupils at Rendcomb College.”

Once the boys move into the new house, their building will be converted into a new Sixth Form centre to be opened in 2020.

Rendcomb College is an independent day and boarding school for children aged 3 to 18 near Cirencester in Gloucestershire.