Harton Technology College, in South Shields, is set for a makeover as part of the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme.

It is also one of only 12 schools in the country invited by the Government to offer post-16 provision.

Headteacher Ken Gibson said plans are "progressing" and the post-16 centre is on course to open in September 2010.

The £7m facility will cater for 266 students and offer a range of qualifications, including the Government's new diplomas, Btecs and A-levels.

It will be housed in a new complex opposite the existing school building, which will be refurbished and remodelled at the cost of £18m under BSF.

The BSF plans were brought forward by almost a year to tie in with the development of the post-16 centre.

The new building will also house the school's science, technology and maths departments, new dining facilities, lecture theatre and a learning resource centre.

The plans will go on show for the second time at a public meeting at the school, in Lisle Road, between 3.30pm and 6.30pm tomorrow.

Mr Gibson said: "We wanted something with a little bit of a wow factor."

The existing science, technology and maths block will be demolished to create room for parking and a bus drop-off point and the whole site will be landscaped.

Outdoor sports facilities will also be improved, with the addition of multi-use games areas, football pitches, tennis courts, netball courts and a synthetic rugby pitch.

The post-16 centre may also include a viewing gallery, so people can watch games in comfort.

Mr Gibson said: "The plans are progressing very rapidly. We should be on course to have the new building ready in advance of September 2010.

"The whole project is scheduled to be finished before September 2011. These are very exciting times."

Staff, pupils and governors have been closely involved in the development of the plans, working with construction company Carillion and Ryder Architects.

Mr Gibson and deputy headteacher Chris Braybrook have visited Norton College, near Malton, North Yorkshire, where post-16 provision is already up and running.

He added: "There is an enormous amount of work to be done in the next 20 months, but we are looking forward to it."

Planning permission for the development will be sought in the new year.