WORK on a  new school in Hampshire is set start by the end of the year.

County bosses have confirmed that construction work for a new secondary school at Uplands Farm in Hedge End is scheduled for later this year with  the exact date yet to be revealed.

The new seven form entry secondary school is expected to open in September 2021 under the name of Deer Park School. 

The news comes as earlier this year civic chiefs approved plans for 980 new homes, sports pitches, open spaces and infrastructure on Uplands Farm Estate, a site owned by Hampshire County Council and identified for future housing development in Eastleigh Borough Council’s Local Plan.

As reported the estate consists of a site west of Woodhouse Lane in Hedge End and one north of Winchester Street in Botley.

Deer Park School will be built on the site west of Woodhouse Lane and will be the first element to be developed in a bid to provide additional school places before the development of the new housing.

The county council has confirmed that contractors Kier are now preparing the site on Woodhouse Lane ahead of construction of the school buildings.

Cllr Roz Chadd, executive member for education and skills at the county council, said: “This much-needed secondary school will fulfil existing demand for school places that have been required across the local area in Hedge End and Botley for some time, providing a brand new, well-equipped school with modern facilities, close to where pupils live.”

As previously reported, the school will have 46 classrooms,  special educational needs and disabilities support rooms, a learning resource centre, a drama studio and a dining hall with adjacent kitchen.

Meanwhile, a four-court sports hall, activity studio, changing facilities and staff offices will be built as part of the new sports building.

Once built, the Deer Park School will form part of the Wildern Academy Trust. 

The school will cost  £21,266,000 and will be funded by the Department for Education (DfE) and developer contributions.