Work is expected to begin later this year as the contractor for a new £57 million school has been appointed.

West Sussex County Council is building a new ultra-low-carbon secondary school in Burgess Hill.

The school, to be built by contractors Willmott Dixon Construction Lts, will have a 900-pupil capacity and is part of the new Brookleigh development.

The development also includes 3,500 new homes.

The secondary school will be part of an “all-through” primary and secondary school on two sites called The Bedelands Academy.

West Sussex County Council has committed nearly £40 million of funding to design and create the school, in what is the council’s single largest school investment in the last decade.

Homes England is contributing around £18 million in developer contributions and the land.

“Helping children and young people to fulfil their potential and tackling climate change are two of the council’s big priorities,” said Councillor Nigel Jupp, cabinet member for learning and skills.

“In creating this innovative new school, we are delivering on those priorities by creating the most environmentally friendly school possible where children will flourish.

“We look forward to working with our partners to deliver these modern and inspiring educational facilities for families.”

Richard Poulter, managing director of Willmott Dixon Construction South, said: “We are delighted to be working on this project in Burgess Hill.

“Carbon reduction is hugely important to our business, with the secondary element of the Bedelands Academy being the third such school we have delivered in the South of England and the first in West Sussex.

“We are keen to support our customers when they choose to prioritise low or zero carbon options with their projects and are looking forward to partnering with West Sussex County Council in realising its sustainable ambitions.”

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The school will have a 16-place special support centre for children with special educational needs and disabilities, along with high quality sports facilities that will be available for community use.

It is expected to open to its first pupils in September 2025 and will take more pupils each year.