Pupils returning from their summer holidays in a Shropshire village could be forgiven for feeling they have come back to a different school – with major refurbishment due to be finished in time for the start of term.

Lydbury North Primary School near Bishop’s Castle boasts a new outdoor classroom, a foyer area and a completely revamped playground in a scheme running into thousands of pounds.

It is the culmination of a major turnaround for staff, governors and pupils at the school, who were forced to put their plans on hold three years ago when the school was earmarked for closure.

Following public outcry and a campaign and demonstrations, the school was spared and barriers and scaffolding have been up all summer for the work.

Chairman of governors Nikki Pugh said: “We had planned to do this three years ago but the whole thing had to be put on hold.”

She added: “It’s going to include a new outdoor classroom to help meet Ofsted requirements, a new foyer and a revamped playground. The children will find a very different school when they come back from their holidays and it’s an exciting time for everyone.”

The school does not have a full-time headteacher. Governors are to meet after the new term has started to decide a time frame and process for appointing a new head. Acting head Penny Knight, who has been seconded from Hopton Wafers, is currently at the helm.