CONSTRUCTION work is due to begin next week on the new £21 million building for the Great Western Academy in North Swindon.

Sponsored by New College Swindon, 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 computing, business, enterprise and technology.

The IT-rich learning environment aims to meet modern educational needs.

The 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 (Music, Drama and Dance).

Sports facilities include a four court sports hall, three outdoor football pitches, a multi-use games area and artificial cricket pitch.

The work will be carried out by BAM Construction and will be finished by July 2018 ready for school opening in September 2018 for Year 7 and Year 12 pupils.

The academy will be at Tadpole Farm in North East Swindon. A full website for the school will be launched in early March at www.gwacademy.co.uk and any interested parents of Year 5 pupils should follow the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/GWASwindon.

Graham Taylor, principal of New College Swindon and project lead for the GWA bid, said: “After several years now of developing this project, I am delighted to see building work begin that will make this academy a reality.

"We are also about to start the recruitment process for a new principal who we hope will be in place from September onwards so things are really moving.

"We are determined to create an academy that can provide an outstanding learning experience for the young people of North Swindon.

"It will form an important part of our multi-academy trust which aims to promote best educational practice in Swindon and help learners achieve great things.

"The academy will be a wonderful resource for the local community and we welcome enquiries and partnerships.”