The block, originally built in the early 1960s, had ill-fitting metal windows and rotting wooden frames.

A major problem arose last year, when some of the windows were found to be loose and had to be boarded up.

But thanks to a Derbyshire County Council investment, the wooden cladding has been replaced by metal panels and all the windows are now UPVC double glazed.

Headteacher at the Wirksworth school, David Baker, said that the project had gone incredibly smoothly.

"We were given a date for the fitting of each individual window and door and the project has run perfectly to time," he said.

"Even though we have had to close off classrooms to staff and students, we have worked closely with all the contractors and I could not be more pleased with the final result.

"The building should now be cooler in the summer and I hope it will save on our heating bills in the winter. With the increase in gas and electricity prices, that could make a big difference to our budget. The building looks so much better and, of course, will not need painting.
"We are looking forward to the second phase which should see the rest of the school upgraded during the next year or two."