the new Montessori Academy as the development applications have been given their final approval.

The plans will see the existing clubhouse renovated to form new classrooms.

A new library, art room and computer room are also included at the new site, which head teacher Margaret Hallett said she hopes will open this September.

"The kids are very excited, it's really wonderful. Everyone is looking forward to more space and new facilities,'' said Mrs. Hallett.

"Some students may have had to move but now we can accommodate them as we increase the age range.'' The school had outgrown its Tivoli, Warwick site which it was barred from expanding by owners National Trust.

The move is being made with a $3.5 million bridging loan from Partner Re but Mrs. Hallett said the land purchase and refurbishment could top $5 million and may require another loan.

She said: "We are renovating so we can have classrooms -- any extensions will be minimal.

"We will get a library and art room -- we don't have those now. It will be improved. We have hired a new IT coordinator for next year.'' Each classroom will have five computers -- up two on the present number.

Classes will keep the low pupil/teacher ratio -- with one teacher per 15 pupils, while three to six-year-olds have one teacher for every 12 pupils.

The school is now opening its doors to older students as it begins to run the International Baccalaureate programme.

Montessori will also add an extra class for three to six-year-olds and for six to nine-year-olds as it increases its enrolment from 135 to 200. By 2004, when the International Baccalaureate scheme is fully in place, numbers could top 300.