The future of education in Bognor

The view shows the new Bognor Community College which is set to transform learning for 1,800 pupils.

Work is progressing rapidly to ensure the college can welcome its first pupils in September 2010.

It is being funded by 39.6m of government money.

The scheme will also include the merger of The Glade Infant and Michael Ayres Junior schools on the campus and their combination in a new building for 630 pupils.

All the existing buildings '“ dating back to the 1930s '“ on the site will be demolished in the most ambitious education project Bognor has probably ever seen.

College headteacher David Jones said the new college would be an inspiring environment in terms of the modern building and the technology it contained.

"We are absolutely thrilled with the design that has come from the architects and the contractors working alongside the local authority.

"The new college will certainly create a more dynamic and flexible building than the one we are used to," he said.

"It will be an inspirational setting for education throughout the community, which will be used by the youngsters of secondary school age as well as members of the public community coming in for evening classes and adult education generally."

The college's governors have fully endorsed the latest designs for the four-storey community college. They have also been backed by the county council's sketch plan panel of councillors.

A planning application for the work is expected to be submitted in the next few weeks. If the plans are approved, work should start on the Westloats Lane site this October.