Coalville's Castle Rock School is among 50 confirmed for the first wave of the Prime Minister's 10-year rebuilding programme.

Tens of thousands of pupils across the country are set to benefit from new, modern, energy efficient school buildings.

The Government says it is transforming education for thousands of pupils, and the first 50 projects announced today (Friday) are supported by £1billion in funding and mark the start of the School Rebuilding Programme, which is due to deliver 500 rebuilding projects over the next decade.

The schools include primary, secondary and specials as well as Castle Rock, which is part of the Apollo Partnership Trust which was established in November 2017.

Castle Rock is known to Boris Johnson as he visited in August and delivered a speech to pupils Boris Johnson visits Castle Rock School.

The initial rebuilds and refurbishments will create modern education environments, providing new facilities from classrooms and science labs, to sports halls and dining rooms.

The schools will also be greener, helping meet the Government's net zero target.

More than £10 million will also be invested to support school sports and swimming facilities in England, and will be distributed through Sport England.

This targeted investment to selected schools will build on existing funding to help schools open their facilities outside of school hours, and encourage pupils to be more physically active.

The announcement comes as the department continues to plan to welcome students and teachers back to face to face education as soon as possible.

Testing and strong safety measures will be in place as before, to make sure that schools remain as safe as possible despite the challenges brought by the new variant.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said: "Today we are launching the first phase of our ambitious new schools programme, with 50 rebuilds and 21 new free schools.

"The rebuilding projects are just the start of our major ten-year programme, transforming hundreds of schools and improving the education of tens of thousands of children.

"Alongside this, over 15,500 children will now benefit from 21 new free schools across the country as we look to build back better after the pandemic.

"I am determined to get all children back into education as soon as possible, and will make sure we do not let the pandemic stand in the way of giving every young person the opportunity to succeed, progress and fulfil their potential."

Unity Howard, Director of New Schools Network, added: "This is fantastic news for communities across the country. Free schools have an incredible track record of driving up standards, and we have seen over the past decade just how popular free schools are with parents.

"The groups planning these new free schools should be proud today; the free school application process is demanding, and this year they have dealt with additional uncertainties owing to the pandemic.

"I wish them the very best of luck as they begin working towards welcoming children through the doors of their new schools in the years to come.

"The 21 new free schools announced today reflects the Government's continued commitment to the free school programme. 558 free schools have already opened across the country to date.

"Project planning for the 50 rebuilds is already advanced on a number of schools following site visits last year, so construction can begin on the first projects from autumn 2021.

"The programme will help create jobs, apprenticeships and training opportunities across England, with suppliers offering training and apprenticeships as part of their work on the rebuilds.

"The majority of the first 50 rebuild projects under the programme are expected to be completed within three to five years."