A £29million development that will bring facilities at the Bushey Academy up to standard with some of the best schools in the country is half way to completion.

The Watford Observer was this week invited for an exclusive tour of the business school under construction and a chat with the headmaster about his vision for the future.

Andy Hemmings was left beaming after planning permission for a complete renovation of the historic school was granted back in September 2010.

Some 14 months later building work is well under way and the academy’s dreams of providing some of the best facilities for its students is edging closer to reality.

When Mr Hemmings took over the newly-formed academy in 2009, poor exam results and a reputation for bad behaviour among its pupils meant it was not a first choice for many making the transition to senior school.

But in less than three years, exam performances and pupils’ attitudes have improved dramatically and Mr Hemmings hopes the new facilities will enable that to continue.

He said: “In many ways the improvement in our infrastructure is mirrored by the improvements we have made academically. Three years ago this development was a distant possibility and now it is reality.

“There is a lot of excitement in the school about the new buildings. They will be some of the best in the country and will have a tremendous impact.”

The transformation of the former Bushey Hall School has involved knocking down some of the most dilapidated buildings on the site, which dates back to the 1920s.

Buildings with most historic significance were preserved and a permanent bat house and swift boxes have been constructed to protect the local wildlife.

While work is carried out on the new classrooms and a three-storey ‘business market place’, more than half the school is operating from temporary classrooms.

Mr Hemmings said: “The students have been very adaptable throughout the transition and it has not been a problem at all. I think there is an understanding of what we’re trying to do here.”

Academic improvements have seen applications from primary school students more than quadruple and Mr Hemmings hopes the new facilities will bolster the academy’s reputation.

He said: “There is a very happy, positive learning environment here. It is essential that the students are making good progress here but equally important is the fact the ethos is a positive one.

“We’re looking to increase from 600 students to 1,350 in the next eight years so it is important we continue to improve.”

Building work is due to be completed by the end of the year, with students moving in soon after.

Mr Hemmings added: “We’re all very excited. We want to see a continuation in the improvements in exams and the further growth of our students. We want people to recognise that this is a pleasant school in which students can learn.”