The Henshaw Crescent school had hoped to sell off some playing fields for housing in order to fund the scheme, but backed down after local opposition. However, the extra classrooms and staff area was approved last June, with taxpayers footing the bill.

The building work will relieve cramped classrooms, and put an end to the 7-11 year olds being taught in corridors, and the school is paying for some of the work from reserves.

West Berkshire's cabinet councillor for Children and Young People, Mollie Lock, said: "I am delighted that funding has been agreed to support this project.

"With the school, West Berkshire Council, councillors and the community working together, we have ensured the best possible outcome.

"This enables the improved facilities to be put in place while backing the wish of the community to preserve school fields."

Generally, the number of primary aged pupils in the town is shrinking due to falling childbirth rates in West Berkshire, creating wide fluctuations in Newbury.

Falkland, John Rankin, Robert Sandilands and Speenhamland are all full, while Fir Tree and Greenham Court are barely half full.