Work on the 66,000 sq ft academy in Conisbrough will start later this month.

The work will include the design and build of a new two-storey main school building, refurbishment of the existing sports hall, and remodeling of the existing Special Educational Needs block to create a new Design, Technology and Construction centre.

De Warenne Academy will remain open throughout the work, which will see the school expand to provide 750 places for 11-18 year olds.

David Price, Business Unit Director for Wates Construction in Yorkshire, said: “We are delighted to extend our presence in Doncaster with this latest academy project and we are very proud to continue our contribution to the transformation of Doncaster’s educational landscape.

“It remains our priority to utilise our work to provide local training and employment opportunities and this project will be a valuable means to fulfilling our promise to make a positive impact on the areas in which we operate.”

Both Outwood Academy, where Wates is on site, and De Warenne Academy come on the back of Wates’ role in the rebuild of Campsmount Technology College in Doncaster, which was destroyed by an accidental fire in 2009.

This is through a Future Schools Agreement used to speed up the procurement of the new Outwood and De Warenne academies. Wates was the first contractor to successfully pilot the government’s simplified procurement process as part of the Review of Education Capital.