WORK on a new £5 million primary school in the West Wight is set to begin later this month.

The Isle of Wight Council says the new school will provide modern educational facilities on the site of the former All Saints' CE Primary School, off School Green Road, Freshwater, which closed last year.

The multi-million pound development will provide a new home for Yarmouth CE Primary School and Little Stars Preschool, with capacity for around 210 pupils.

The estimated completion date is early 2023, with pupils and staff moving to their new premises later that year.

A project jointly funded by the council and the Department for Education, the new building has been designed by Hampshire County Council property services.

The work will be carried out by contractor, Morgan Sindall Construction, which is currently working at The Bay CE School.

The development will be single-storey, and feature seven classrooms, design and technology suites, a larger indoor hall and enhanced sports provision.

Councillor Debbie Andre, Cabinet member for children's services, education and skills, said the council had a duty to make sure all children had access to good quality education in buildings that were well designed for their needs.

She said: "We are committed to transforming education on the Island and I am pleased that we can continue this transformation with building this new school for the local community which will, I’m sure, be much appreciated by all those who will use it.

"It will benefit and support our children to receive a high-quality education in a fantastic environment, giving them the best possible opportunities to grow, learn and succeed."