A Portland headteacher is celebrating the start of construction on a new £5.7million primary school at Osprey Quay.

The construction company Stepnell has been selected by Dorset County Council to build the 1,900sqm Chesil Cove Federation Primary School in time for the 2012 Olympics.

These artist’s impressions show what the new school will look like.

The new school will replace the existing Brackenbury Infant School and Nursery and Underhill Junior School, which will become one school when the work is completed.

In March 2009 the schools had 245 pupils on roll but now the anticipated roll is 315 plus a 26 place nursery.

Headmaster of both Underhill Junior School and Brackenbury Infant School Neil McDermott said: “It’s great news – the transition will mean that the children have a much better more modern school to attend.

“Not only will the building be new but there will be better resources and facilities for the pupils with cutting edge technology and up to date learning rooms which will be much more effective. All the pupils, parents are looking forward to it and being involved in the building process.”

Stepnell managing director Mark Wakeford, said: “We’re thrilled to have been chosen by Dorset County Council for this landmark scheme. We have a strong track record of building high-quality, sustainable schools fit for the 21st century and are looking forward to using our expertise in the education sector on this exciting project.”

In 2008, the South West Regional Development Agency approached Dorset County Council with a proposal to provide a plot within the former Royal Navy Air Station, HMS Osprey, now known as Osprey Quay, to house a new primary school.

The existing school was deemed by the authority to have inadequate external spaces, especially at Underhill School, which do not meet basic curriculum needs and the two sites are divided by a road.

Dorset County Council’s Cabinet member for children’s services Toni Coombs said: “I’m delighted that we're able to allow LOCOG to use the building as part of the Sailing Village for the 2012 Games before the new school opens in 2013.

“Work on site is progressing well and I’m sure that children on Portland will be excited and proud to know that their new school will play a part in this historical event.”