Rebuilding of Oak Academy scheduled to be finished by 2024

As part of the government's £1billion School Rebuilding Programme, Oak Academy is will build a new school building with a range of facilities.

The school will also be made greener, helping to meet the Government’s net zero target.

The school's new designs have been approved, and the building is anticipated to be completed by 2024.

The project will start being built by Kier Construction in the new year after planning for the designs starts in August.

Keir Construction's senior estimator, James Child, said: "The big driver behind the project is to provide a suitable building that can back up the quality of education.

"The whole building is going to be completely rebuilt with a nice bright and open canteen and workspaces."

Oak Academy's canteen design plans

Mr Child said: "The children and the community need this and it will give something that they can be proud of.

"In order to reduce the cost of running the school, the construction plans include solar panels on the roof. Additionally, it will be better insulated, which will lower bills."

The £1billion School Rebuilding Programme scheme was set out by the government last year and is due to deliver 500 rebuilding projects over the next decade.

Oak Academy in Duck Lane is the only school in Dorset and BCP Council area, with more than 70 per cent of the schools in the north and midlands.

Hayley Richley, principal of Oak Academy said: "I am excited and extremely proud to have the honour of leading Oak into the next stage of its journey of improvement.

"I truly believe that this is the final ingredient needed to ensure Oak, and the education it provides, really does sit at the heart of an amazing community.

One parent said: “This has been too long coming but it looks like it will be worth the wait. I am pleased my child will have the chance to be part of it.

"This locality desperately needs renewal and redefinition to effect change for improvement."