Plans for a new university-backed £9.7 million academy have been approved by Staffordshire County Council.
The proposals will see the former Blake Valley Technology College and Blake School, in Cannock, transformed into a 900-pupil establishment, complete with sixth form, known as Staffordshire University Academy.
Birmingham-based Brooke Smith Planning advised both the contractor, Balfour Beatty, and Staffordshire County Council in its capacity as the Local Education Authority.
Funding for the development is coming from a one-off government capital grant for facilities specialising in future technologies and health sciences.
Brooke Smith Planning associate director Will Charlton said: “The school will be transformed into a brand new academy that will benefit not just the pupils but the whole area and play a significant role in the community for many years to come.”
Work on site is due to start by the end of March with the new building completed by September 2013.
On the sports and leisure front, there will be a new four-court sports hall, BMX track and cricket nets, as well as the existing swimming pool.
