The Bishop of London officially opened a £21million extension to Raine’s Foundation School last week.

Work on the project began in July 2011, and culminated in a four storey extension to the Grade II listed building in Approach Road, Bethnal Green which was opened by Bishop Richard Chartres.

Benedict Wallbank, who is chair of governors at the Church of England school said: “We are delighted with our new building and feel it will be a major factor in enabling us to enhance the education and welfare of our current and future pupils.”

The investment was part of the Building Schools for the Future programme, which was scrapped by most local authorities following budget cuts from central government in 2010. It means the upper school can now accommodate 750 pupils aged 11-18.

The extension offers new teaching facilities and spaces for individual study, as well as a new sports hall.

Mayor of Tower Hamlets Lutfur Rahman said: “I am delighted with the opening of Raine’s Foundation School and its new educational facilities for our young people.

“We’re committed to providing excellent educational facilities for our pupils and this programme is one example of the investment we’re making in education.”

The official opening, last Monday, attracted school governors, staff, and the architects behind the extension, as well as the Bishop of London, who unveiled a dedication stone and recital of the school prayer.

The Bishop then consecrated the school Chapel, and was given a grand tour of the new facilities.