After four years of planning a school has appointed a new contractor to design and build new building plans.

Willmott Dixon Construction (WDC) will be drawing up plans to build the new Hertswood Academy, in Borehamwood.

The scheme by WDC will be in-keeping with the Academy's progress in achievement and will consolidate the existing upper and lower sites into a single, educational and communal facility in Cowley Hill.

Head teacher Peter Gillett said: "Of course, during the construction of our new academy, we will continue to raise standards and provide an excellent educational environment for your child.

"The key driver in our journey to becoming a world-class academy is the strength of the partnership between students, staff and parents and I have no doubt we will continue on our steep improvement curve with the work we do together."

Mike Page, preconstruction manager for WDC, said the building work is scheduled to be completed in autumn 2019 and it has planning consent and the detailed design of the Academy is underway.

He said: "It will ensure students, teachers and the wider community have an exceptional environment to develop and learn in, with access to the best technology available.

"In addition to modern well equipped classrooms, there will be a double height library, expansive open learning spaces, a new restaurant and extensive community facilities including a new theatre and sports centre.

"Before the main construction work starts in Autumn 2017, Willmott Dixon will erect an interim facility behind the existing school so that the upper and lower schools can combine for September 2017.

"The team is already working hard to ensure the intermediate arrangements are well considered with students, staff and neighbours’ best interests at heart. It is our aim to provide an environment that maintains excellent standards for a seamless transition into the new buildings."

Site investigations have already begun and will be ongoing in preparation for the interim buildings to start in March 2017 and complete by the end of July 2017.

Chris Tredget, managing director of Willmott Dixon Construction in Hitchin, said: “Providing pioneering educational facilities is something we specialise in at Willmott Dixon; the new Hertswood Academy building will provide students with everything they need to really excel in their studies. It is a pleasure to be able to create a school that will provide so much for future generations in the local area”.

There will be information evenings on February 21 and March 8 at 7pm in the Lower School site.