Situated close to Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, one of the main venues for the 2012 Olympics, the school and site will be used as a facility for competing athletes during the Games, before opening its doors to pupils.

Stepnell will also create an external multi-use games area and a 400sqm outdoor play area as part of the scheme.

The school will incorporate a number of sustainable features including a brown roof, rainwater harvesting and biomass boilers which will run on eco-friendly wood pellets, helping it to achieve a rating of ‘excellent’.

The company has pledged to employ local subcontractors and use locally sourced building materials wherever possible.