A school partly gutted by fire is set to rise phoenix-like from the flames with four separate building projects due to start this year.

The technology wing, sports hall and dining room of Carlton Bolling College were destroyed in an arson attack which caused more than £1 million worth of damage in January.

But the community and education chiefs have rallied around the school and the project to rebuild the fire-ravaged area is now well underway.

And head teacher Simon Willis said the work would herald a new chapter in life at the school in Undercliffe Lane.

"We are taking it a day at a time," said Mr Willis. "But there is a great deal to be optimistic about. All the students are back and the curriculum is being delivered.

"We are definitely getting there, although it is going to be a long journey."

Preliminary architects' plans have been drawn up for buildings to replace the technology suites. The area where the charred shell of the school wing stood after the fire on January 30 has been levelled in readiness for a new block.

The sports hall and canteen can be repaired and refurbished.

In the meantime, the Council is paying for children to be bussed to nearby sports facilities at the Karmand Centre and the Duke of Edinburgh Award Centre. As well as resurrecting the fire-damaged area and refurbishing the sports facilities, two other projects are due to kick off at Carlton Bolling later this year.

The school was last year selected for a £3.4 million hi-tech boost from the government which will see it transformed into a City Learning Centre.

Work to construct extra classroom space will begin later this year to house the additional information technology suites.

The school is also due to expand under the reorganisation and builders are expected to move in by the end of the year at the earliest to build an extension.

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