The £22m deal ends years of waiting after the Penlan project stalled in 2013 when the council failed to win the financial support of the Welsh Government.

The council’s outline business case for the new 11-18 school in Brecon was finally approved last autumn as part of the Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools and Education Programme.

Powys council’s acting head of schools Gareth Jones said: “Appointing a contractor means we will be able progress design and build plans and we look forward to working closely with the school and the community.”

David Meredith, chair of governors at Brecon High School said: “We are very pleased that the tender process has concluded with the successful appointment of an experienced contractor for what is a major project for the school and the next step in the schools journey of success following the examination success last summer and the school being removed from special measures.”