Newham College is set for a facelift to improve facilities for students with learning difficulties.

It will receive a share of a �12million funding pot secured by London Councils.

The cash, provided by the Education Funding Agency, will be used to shore up existing buildings and provide new places for students.

London Councils predicts young people coming through the education system with learning difficulties will increase by more than 10 per cent every year until 2015/16.

Legislative changes in 2014 will allow parents of children with disabilities to state their preference for where their child is educated.

Cllr Steve Reed, from London Councils, said: “Hundreds of young Londoners and those supporting them will be able to work in much better surroundings that properly meet their needs.”