Staff at The Chase in Malvern face an agonising wait to see if a multi-million pound science block can be built at the school

They will have to wait until after half-term to find out if Worcestershire County Council approves the £3.75 million project at the Geraldine Road site.

The new purpose-built, 14 laboratory science block would be constructed between the sports pitch and physics block.

The scheme came before the council's cabinet on Tuesday, and a decision is due to be reached by full council on Thursday (February 17).

At present, the school's biology, physics and chemistry departments are scattered around the school and many of the buildings are in need of refurbishment.

The existing science classrooms would be upgraded to accommodate classes currently based in temporary buildings.

Deputy headteacher Peter Renger said The Chase had been in discussion with the county council over the development for several years.

"It's a very important project and I see it as being the key to future development at the school," he said.

"It would mean we could get rid of 13 temporary buildings that have been used for the past 30 years."