DEVIZES School wants to sell off nearly six acres of its school playing field as housing land to help pay for a £2.3 million facelift.

Head Phil Bevan told staff yesterday that six weeks of consultation are to start on the scheme to sell the 5.7 acres that border Nursteed Road which at that moment is used as two sports pitches.

He said: “This is a very exciting project which we hope can benefit not just the school but the whole Devizes community. There are a number of areas in the school that need improving such as the hall, changing rooms and art and drama spaces.

“We have fantastic pupils here and I would like for them to have things like a modern canteen and outside eating areas.”

He said that education funding was extremely challenging but money from selling the land would make a huge difference and the school would still have plenty of playing field space.

He said: “We have been fortunate in the last 18 months to have  been supported by The White Horse Federation funding. We have seen  significant investment in a major roofing project, gas and electrical infrastructure  improvements, and a new fire safety system.

“This represents close to £1 million of investment. While this support is appreciated, it covers what is essentially routine  maintenance – not the development we need moving forward to support our  growing school.”

He said he wants his school to become a world-class institution but this will cost money. He said: “We are at the earliest stage of this consideration, and intend to consult closely to gather their views and opinions  before any decisions are made.”

Information will be published on the school website and a public meeting will be held at the school on December 16 at 6.30pm . Mr Bevan and Dr Nicholas Capstick CEO of the White Horse Federation will explain the scheme and answer questions.