A DREAM could come true for Queen Elizabeth's School as news emerges of a £20 million rebuilding project.

Years of draughty windows and leaking roofs could finally come to an end as the school emerges as favourite for unexpected government funding.

The plans being considered include demolishing the entire 1960s school and rebuilding it as a modern, high-tech "school for the future" - and it would link up with schools throughout East Dorset.

Head teacher Andy Puttock said: "We're not celebrating until the fat lady sings.

"But if the county council does decide that QE is deserving of this it will be a dream come true.

"I'm proud that everyone has managed to achieve excellent results despite substandard facilities. The building has become very tired.

"The new school will be a virtual learning environment and the school is committed to making an impact in the whole area through distance learning and specifically in IT."

The new school could be built on the existing playing fields but architects have yet to draw up the plans.

Dorset hadn't been expecting funding to build a "school for the future" until 2015 but this project is now expected to be completed by 2008.

Another school in the running for the funding is Ferndown Upper School. Councillors are today being urged to vote in favour of QE as the preferred option.

The funding comes as part of a government pledge to replace or refurbish all secondary schools.

Areas were ranked in terms of deprivation and achievement and Dorset County Council was considered to be among the least urgent in need. But that position changed in November and the county council was asked to put forward suggestions for run-down schools that could be Pathfinder Schools for the Future.

The proposals are being discussed at a council meeting on February 1.

First published: February 1, 2006