Rickmansworth School’s new pool is due to become the training ground for Watford Swimming Club.

Acting headteacher, Mark Allchorn, said the partnership means the Scots Hill school has the opportunity to "become a centre of excellence for swimming in the county".

The secondary school’s pool closed in November last year as significant repair work needed to be carried out.

The facilities are due to reopen in February following a substantial regeneration project costing more than £600,000.

Watford Swimming Club currently uses nine pools, teaching more than 350 members.

Simon White, director of PE at the school, said: "We are delighted to welcome Watford Swimming Club to our school. We have some fantastic swimmers at Rickmansworth and this is a great opportunity to provide a pathway for those wanting to swim competitively."

Mr Allchorn said: "This significant partnership will ensure that the legacy of the Sport England grant makes a huge impact on our pupils. We now have a real chance to become a centre of excellence for swimming in the county and, in time, nationally."

Renovations will include a new plant room, new roof, windows and doors. The changing rooms will also include a changing village with disabled access.

David Rayner, Amateur Swimming Association's Hertfordshire aquatic officer, said: "It is great news that Rickmansworth School Pool is reopening as this will provide fantastic opportunities for not only the pupils at the school, but also the wider community through a varied pool programme.

"The depth of the pool also allows aquatic disciplines such as water polo and synchronised swimming to play a part, enabling a wide variety of feeder programmes from school and community into local clubs."

The school has received a £380,000 grant from the Education Funding Agency and a £150,000 grant from the Sport England Legacy Fund.