Earthquake strengthening work worth $2million has begun at St Matthew's Collegiate School in Masterton.
Principal Eric Pedersen said workmen last week started removing thousands of tiles and loads of bitumen that had bowed main supports on the roof of the school's main classroom block, built in the 1920s.
The school has broken up for the year and long-run roofing iron is to replace the tiles, he said, which alongside dormer windows had distinguished the roof and added architectural character to the eight-classroom block.
"The tiles will be missed but they would be a considerable danger in the event of an earthquake and the board wants the entire school to be 100 per cent compliant and safe," Mr Pedersen said.
The roofing work includes bolstering the ceiling and is expected to be completed before the new school year begins.