The independent school is to have a sixth form centre fit for the 21st century.

To be built at the back of the main school building, it will be joined on to a 1930s block.

Headteacher Brian Battye said: "It will be a completely new sixth form centre which will give the students 21st century facilities."

The ground floor of the two-storey building will be split into two sections for the sixth-formers.

One half will provide a relaxation area for the students, including a kitchen and tuck shop.

The other half will be a study room, complete with computers and video conferencing facilities.

Three brand new classrooms will be created on the top floor, dedicated to the maths department.

Dewsbury-based Martin Walsh Associates are the architects carrying out the work, and Martin's son Damian – a former pupil of the school – has been heavily involved with the planning process.

Plans for a new centre were born only 12 months ago, approved by the board of governors and then later by Kirklees Council.

Mr Battye said the facility tied in well with the new assisted places scheme which is also to be launched in the autumn term.

The school has had a number of new buildings created at its Carlinghow Hill site since the 1870s.

Walking through its corridors can be likened to walking through the decades – with buildings built in 1912, 1938, the 1970s, and now in 2008.

Mr Battye said: "The sixth form students will be very excited by this new project. At the moment they have a common room which is an older building block."It is something both staff and students need.

"The school goes through a constant rejuvenation. I'm really pleased that the governors approved this plan.

"The addition of the centre is the final legacy being left by headmaster Mr Battye, who leaves at the end of the summer term. He said: "It is a fitting end to my headship, to have a new classroom block and centre."