EDUCATION minister Ivan Lewis went back to the classroom for a chemistry lesson at Manchester Jewish Grammar School.

Mr Lewis had a tour of the temporary accommodation, in Camp Street, Salford and discussed the school's return to Prestwich in new premises.

The boys grammar school was initially located in Charlton Avenue, Prestwich, but successfully applied for planning permission to build a new education complex on the same site.

That meant the staff and pupils had to look for alternative accommodation until the new school was finished.

Mr Lewis said: "I was delighted to have this opportunity to visit the school and meet pupils and staff. Once again we discussed the exciting prospect of the school joining our local family of schools and becoming state funded in the near future."

He said work on the new building was expected to start soon and should be completed by next year.