A planning application has finally been submitted for the controversial school academy on Portland.

The Department for Education is proposing to invest around £15 million in a new campus at Southwell Park which is supported by sponsors the Aldridge Foundation and Dorset County Council.

The academy opened this September within the founding schools’ existing sites, but intends to locate to two new school campuses at Osprey Quay and Southwell Park next academic year.

The new Southwell Park campus will cater for students between 3 and 19 years old, with the main school buildings divided into houses or “schools within schools”, and a separate section for early years children from nursery to year 3, with its own entrance and play areas.

Plans include a 200-seat theatre, heated swimming pool, a new sports hall and specialist sports, art, drama, music, science and environmental science facilities; cutting-edge computer facilities and new technology to support learning plus a dedicated zone to support enterprise for students and the community.

The campus will offer a range of after-school activities, which could also be available out of school hours for local residents and groups. opening up new resources for the wider community.

Jane Fooks, on behalf of the Academy Trust said: “Significant amendments have been made to the plans as a result of the comments we have received.

“A key concern for parents and local residents was transport to and from the new campus. Following the exhibitions we have made decisive steps to ensure the provision of bus services.”