A ‘bolt-tightening’ ceremony has been held to mark the latest stage in a school’s £5m expansion project.

A 160-tonne steel frame has been put in place at BBG Academy in Birkenshaw.

It will form the basis for a 3,000 square metre new-build extension which will allow the academy to expand its capacity from 400 to 750 students.

Work on the facility, in Bradford Road, began in October last year.

The project will also include the refurbishment of the existing 2,775 sq m school building and the construction of a new central courtyard, which will become the school’s focal point. The new facility will offer a state-of-the-art sports hall, a resource centre and adult learning facilities, all of which will be available for community use.

Formerly Birkenshaw Middle School, BBG Academy is a specialist science school set up by a group of parents to serve Birkenshaw, East Bierley, Gomersal and Birstall.

The school will remain open throughout the building works.

Sharon Light, chairman of the governors at BBG Academy, said: “We are delighted with the excellent progress being made in constructing our new academy buildings, which will greatly contribute to the unique secondary education experience that the BBG Academy will offer students from September 2013.

“Our new buildings will also enable us to honour our commitment to make BBG Academy a real community school with meeting rooms and our new sports hall available for use by groups and residents.

“The full-sized sports hall is expected to be opened alongside the new academy building in September 2013.”

David Price, business unit director for builders Wates Construction, Yorkshire, said: “We are delighted to mark this significant milestone in construction at BBG Academy, as the final beams of the steel frame are put into place. The building works are progressing well and we are continuing to work closely with the academy and the Trust as we move towards completion in time for the new school year this September.”