A SOUTHAMPTON school tipped for closure will now receive an £8 million upgrade, after receiving the full backing of the city council.

Civic chiefs have pledged to improve Chamberlayne College for the Arts with the substantial cash injection, just months after the school was in danger of closing, and a year-and-a-half since Ofsted slammed it as “inadequate”.

However, the council now says the school is back on the right path, which is emphasised by its latest Ofsted report, which rated the school as “good”.

As a result, education boss, Councillor Darren Paffey, says the school is now in line for upgrades to the main block, as well as investment in its sports facilities.

“It is long overdue,” said Labour’s Cllr Paffey.

“It’s not just about the buildings, but what goes on inside them, and this cash will look to help sustain that.”

Inspectors praised head teacher Nick Giles – and said his leadership was “good.”

They added: “The headteacher, with the leadership team, has transformed the culture of the school. He has raised aspirations and established a clear sense of energy and purpose among all involved with the school.”

But they also said teaching and learning still “require improvement,” while some pupils “do not have high aspirations”.

Mr Giles told the Echo: “We are delighted by the turn-around at the school and it now feels a very dynamic and purposeful place to be learning and working.

“Our young people and their community deserve quality facilities and modern classrooms – this investment will create this and with the improvements in education that are now recognised, the future for Chamberlayne is very bright.”

The school has capacity for 900 pupils but currently has just 420 on roll.

Mr Giles added: “We are expecting to start filling up, particularly with the improvements in teaching – we are expecting parents will choose us.”

As reported in April, the possibility that the college would close was brought to light by Southampton Itchen MP Royston Smith.

Mr Smith slammed the city council and accused them of being “underhand” in their plans.

The Conservative member previously said: “Southampton City Council has drawn up these plans to close Chamberlayne College for the Arts and hasn’t had the common courtesy to tell me, the hardworking staff or parents.”

But, in response, Dr Paffey said: “When any school is judged by Ofsted to be inadequate, it is the responsibility of the school governors and the local authority to consider every option to ensure that those children get the best education possible.

“But, I’m glad to see that the improvements we worked in partnership with the school to achieve are now coming about and I am delighted that we can now make a significant investment in the school.”