THE full redevelopment of a Bournemouth secondary school site has reached a key milestone.

Oak Academy is earmarked for a significant investment as part of the government’s £1billion school rebuilding programme.

As reported, the school in Duck Lane, which welcomes children from West Howe and Bear Cross, is one of the first 50 across the country to be prioritised for investment by the Department for Education.

It was also the only school in Dorset to be part of the first wave of funding, with a further five schools in the BCP Council area set to benefit from funding in the second phase which was announced in December last year.

It was previously said that the Oak Academy redevelopment will be completed next year and contractor Kier Construction Limited took a big step in the right direction in recent weeks.

Bournemouth Echo: CGI of the proposed new building at Oak Academy secondary school. Picture: Kier/ Jestico WhilesCGI of the proposed new building at Oak Academy secondary school. Picture: Kier/ Jestico Whiles

BCP Council’s planning officers approved the full proposals for the project under delegated powers.

Oak Academy principal Hayley Richley said: “We were delighted to receive the news, that planning permission has been granted and our long overdue new build, can finally become a reality.

“As we continue our drive for improvement, we are delighted that the community will finally have buildings that will allow us to deliver education in the highest quality of settings.

“Our current and future students deserve nothing less.”

Kier’s plans would see a phased demolition of the existing school buildings, excluding the LeAF Studio School sports hall.

A new single building for all subjects will be built on the site.

Bournemouth Echo: CGI of the proposed new building at Oak Academy secondary school. Picture: Kier/ Jestico WhilesCGI of the proposed new building at Oak Academy secondary school. Picture: Kier/ Jestico Whiles

The development will allow the school’s size to increase from 500 to 900 pupils and an increase in from 100 to 150 full time equivalent staff.

A Department for Education spokesperson said: “We are thrilled that Oak Academy has got planning permission and can begin the process of rebuilding a school fit for the future.

“The Schools Rebuilding Programme will transform hundreds of schools across the country. The additional funding, alongside fantastic new facilities, will mean our brilliant teachers can get on with what they do best – and inspire the next generation.”