DORSET’S only state boarding school is set for a multi-million pound expansion.

Work on a £2.9 million sixth form block at The Shaftesbury School’s Barton Hill site is due to start on September 1.

Andy Thompson, the school’s director of boarding, said the purpose built accommodation for an additional 24 students would benefit boarders and local students.

“Children from Shaftesbury could find themselves sat next to a student from Spain, Japan or Zambia. Students have the chance to foster life-long friendships and the school is able to build links around the world,” said Mr Thompson.

Shaftesbury’s tradition of welcoming boarders dates back 300 years, he added, with 75 boarders from 17 countries, including Latvia, Malawi, and Portugal currently at the school’s Barton Hill House boarding complex.

Just over a third of the boarders come from the UK, he added, including students from military families posted in Dorset.

British and EU passport holders are entitled to free tuition in return for accommodation costs under the state boarding system.

Students keen to experience life in the UK and to become fluent in English were among those attracted to the school, said Mr Thompson.

The refurbished and expanded building, which will include a large dining area, is due to open in September 2010.

Hampshire firm Wessex Partnerships Ltd (WPL), bid for the government cash on the school’s behalf.