WORK has started on a “state of the art” new secondary school in Wichelstowe.

Earth moving equipment arrived at the site for Deanery CE Academy at the end of last week and fencing has been erected along the site facing Peglars Way.

The new school, which will be run by the Diocese of Bristol Academies Trust, will be for children aged between 11 and 18. It is situated a stone’s throw from the Waitrose superstore.

Developers BAM Construction won planning permission for the new school at the start of this month.

Speaking then, Linda Culling, principal designate of The Deanery, said: “There have been some delays to the project in the past, but now I feel we can really begin to make progress.

“There will be some brilliant facilities and I hope a lot of people will apply to send their children here.”

The school will take 210 pupils in each year group, with the first set of students arriving at the school in September 2019.

It expects to be accepting applications for new students from next year.

Up to half of places will be reserved for children from families liked to the Church of England. Swindon Borough Council has invested £9m in the school, providing sports and arts facilities.

It is expected that an official turf cutting ceremony will take place next month, marking the start of building work on the school.