Scaffolding went up this week and the improvement work is expected to take around 13 weeks.

Furness College Deputy Principal Nicola Cove said the college had appointed specialist contractors who were experienced in working in the education sector to minimise any disruption to staff and students.

“The original roof has had small areas start to leak in recent years and now is the time to replace it because we need to ensure that the highest standards can be maintained in the facilities we provide and the learning that takes place within our buildings,” she said.

“We hope that by starting work in lockdown 3 we will have very little impact on learning. The advantage of working with a specialist contractor with a track record in this sector is that they really understand how to work on a live education site.

“It will be redesigned using the latest materials and insulation and when it’s complete, we should have good use of it for another 40 years.”

Some of the newer parts of the college, including the Abbey building and sports hall, will not be affected.

The funding comes from the Agency’s Further Education Capital Allowance and the work will be carried out with COVID secure measures in place.