A college condemned by Government inspectors for its poor standards is set to be awarded almost £2 million to improve music and dance lessons.

The news comes just days after former pupil Chris Hide, 18, made it to the final of television's Pop Idol 2 show.

West Sussex County Council has proposed that £1,690,000 be awarded to Boundstone Community College, Lancing, under its education capital programme.

If approved, it will give the college some of the best school performing arts facilities in the Britain.

Headteacher Richard Evea, who was bought in to turn the college around after last year's disastrous Ofsted report, said the money would provide a first-rate facility for pupils and the community.

Cash would be used to build a performing arts building, a drama studio, a dance studio, two music teaching rooms, a recording studio, and an ensemble room.

It would also provide a selection of music equipment and instruments.

Mr Evea said: "We are now in special measures and also a special school for performing arts, which we had to bid for.

"As a result, the Government gives us about £125,000 a year to develop community activities and teaching in the arts.

"This new award was part of negotiations between us and the local education authority.

"It would mean our already very good teaching in music, dance and drama will be provided with more facilities, allowing us to improve teaching and learning elsewhere.

"It would also mean a better arts venue for the community."

Work on the new buildings should start in October, if the proposed award is not delayed by a call-in from councillors.

Mr Evea said: "This has given the college a big lift, alongside what Chris Hide has achieved.

"He's a part and a product of the quality of teaching our head of music provides. This award is the icing on the cake."

A council spokeswoman said: "What we aim to do in the county council is provide modern facilities for pupils.

"We obviously draw up a capital programme each year of various schools and we allocate money accordingly. It was felt these particular facilities were needed at Boundstone."

The award, proposed by the council's executive member for education and arts Sally Greenwell, should be confirmed on September 25.