Oldham Council is investing £1.5m to improve facilities for pupils at Kingfisher Special School.
Cabinet last night approved proposals which will see the Chadderton school being expanded so it can meet the growing demand for places.
The council money is in addition to funding pledged by local philanthropist Sir Norman Stoller and will be used to replace the 40-year-old hydro pool along with two new classrooms.
As part of this major investment project a state-of-art new pool, which can be used by pupils as well as other education providers and community groups throughout the borough, will also be built on the site.
Planning permission for the scheme has already been granted.
The school has also raised £100,000 towards the project through various fund raising initiatives.
Councillor Amanda Chadderton, Cabinet Member for Education and Early Years, said: “Oldham Council is committed to providing the best facilities for our young people and this new extension and hydro pool is great news for pupils, parents, staff and the wider community.
“Kingfisher consistently provides outstanding education opportunities and it is important the best and proper facilities are in place for pupils to learn.
“With Oldham’s population rising the council has been working hard for a long time to ensure there are sufficient places for all our children, and once completed this project will help.
“We’d also like to acknowledge the contribution of Sir Norman whose support for the borough, and its residents, never waivers.
“The building will help create jobs in the construction phase and also, once it is finished, help us with our commitment to Get Oldham Working.”
Demand for school places at Kingfisher has grown by nearly 50 per cent in just over five years and it is now over capacity.
Numbers at Kingfisher Special School have jumped from 119 in January 2012 to 177 this year.
