SCIENCE students at Hanley Castle High School have been exploring the school's new science block, which has just opened its doors.

The £0.5 million building includes two new laboratories and a preparation room, and was paid for by the government's Academies Capital Welcome Fund.

Science is one of the school's flagship departments, with some of the best GCSE and A-level results in the county, said head Lindsey Cooke.

She said: "Our new facilities will make a big difference to the way in which students are taught. We pride ourselves on lessons which are hands-on and innovative, but these new laboratories with their cutting-edge equipment will allow us to do an even better job in preparing our young people for university and careers in industry."

Some equipment was donated by Malvern technology company QinetiQ, and the firm's technical director David Baker was there when MP Harriett Baldwin officially opened the new labs.

She said: “The new labs are really impressive and are clearly a huge asset to the school. As we try to encourage more young people to take on science, engineering and maths, it is very gratifying to see so many pupils excelling in these subjects.

“It is also pleasing to see QinetiQ getting involved. This sort of collaboration will help support the next generation of brilliant scientists to thrive in Worcestershire."