STAFF and pupils at St Gregory’s Catholic High School have been celebrating after making it through to the final of a nationwide competition.

Open to primary, secondary and special schools, the ‘The School We’d Like’ contest offers students and teachers the chance to turn one idea to improve their school into a reality.

After beating more than 400 entries, the Cromwell Avenue high school is now one of the final four in their category and stands the chance of winning £5,000 to put their plans into action.

Organised by schools insurer Zurich Municipal and The Guardian Teacher Network, a team at St Gregory’s came up with the idea for a contemporary social area in their school yard to ease the pressure on a currently cramped canteen.

The students have designed a new seating area and an extended outside area for carol concerts, performing arts and family events outside school hours.

Noreen Fawkes, acting head teacher, said: “We are extremely proud of the team who have worked tirelessly on this project; it will certainly enhance the quality of break times for all our students.

“Their dedication, time and creativity is much appreciated.”

The team will be presenting their entry to a panel of judges at The Guardian offices in London.