A BRAND new secondary school in Sandwell has been given the go ahead by the Department for Education.

The new school will be built on the former Langley High School site on Moat Road, Oldbury.

This is the first new secondary school to open in ten years in Sandwell and will help ease growing pupil numbers in the borough.

The first 120 Year Seven pupils will start at the school in September 2016 and the school will eventually accommodate 1,200 pupils.

It is being sponsored by Eric and Grace Payne who are the sponsors of the successful Q3 Academy in Great Barr.

Councillor Simon Hackett, cabinet member for Children's Services said: "I'm thrilled we are able to open a new secondary school and it's great news for the children of Sandwell.

"This will make a fantastic addition to our schools and will be the first new secondary school to open in Sandwell since the Sandwell Academy.

He added: "Securing the sponsorship of Eric and Grace Payne is great news. The Q3 Academy in Great Barr is giving young people a great standard of education and we hope to continue this in the new school in Oldbury."

Langley High School shut in 2007 but the site was still used by Oldbury Academy until it finally closed its doors in 2012.

Council Leader Councillor Darren Cooper added: "It's we are opening another school in Sandwell. This is a much needed school in Oldbury where it is expected there will be increasing demand for secondary school places in the next few years.”

The next steps will be to confirm funding streams and obtain planning permission before work can start on site.

The school sponsor Eric Payne said: "Our involvement with Q3 Academy Great Barr and working with the teaching and support staff to achieve outstanding results has been most rewarding and fulfilling.

"This project is not just about a new school building. It is to give young people an opportunity to acquire knowledge, establish values and pursue excellence.

"They are then able to contribute fully to society."