PROSPECTIVE parents, residents and local businesses have cast an eye over plans for a new secondary school which will take 1,210 pupils.

The Great Western Academy as it is to be known is set to be built on the site of the Tadpole Farm development in north east Swindon.

On Wednesday evening, members of the local community were invited to Tadpole Farm Primary Academy where a public consultation on the project was held.

The new academy will be overseen by New College who will bring their expertise in further education and management of a significant academic site to the running of the school.

Graham Taylor, Principal of New College Swindon and Project Lead for the Great Western Academy bid, said: “This is an exciting community project which will provide a much-needed, new school for Swindon - the third fastest growing town in the country.

“We aim to prepare learners for further study and the world of work, business & enterprise with a big focus on using IT and digital technologies to do this.

“BAM Construction Ltd were appointed after a rigorous selection process and we are delighted to have them on board.

“They have a great record in the education sector and I believe that they will deliver a fantastic building with the best facilities in the area.”

Between 150 and 200 people attended the consultation event which was heralded as a success by the New College team.

Questions were taken regarding location, funding and planning permission which is expected to be applied for during the next month.

Discussions also looked at the concept of a free school, possible opening dates and specific curriculum questions, among other areas.

Current designs for the proposed school where on display and attendees spoke with representatives from the bid about their vision for the type of education establishment they wanted to build.

Coming away from the event, organisers said they felt there was a high level of public interest in the project with significant support.

If planning approval is granted, the three storey building will provide study and teaching facilities for the delivery of a full secondary and post-16 curriculum with a major focus on business, enterprise and technology.

It is expected to cost around £21 million and will provide education opportunities for 1,210 pupils.

The current design, developed by award-winning international design practice Scott Brownrigg, includes modern, state-of-the-art facilities for IT, science and maths, design and technology and the creative arts such as music, drama and dance.

Subject to planning approval, construction is scheduled to start in January 2017 and conclude by July 2018, ready for school opening in September 2018.