Work is now underway to open a new £40 million Sutton secondary school which will become part of a new leading cancer research facility next year.

Science-specialist school Harris Academy Sutton, in the former Sutton Hospital off Cotswold Road, is scheduled to open in September 2019 alongside the proposed site of The London Cancer Hub.

The new non-selective school, run by the Harris Academy, will cater for 1,275 pupils and families are now able to apply for a place beginning this September while the school is housed in temporary accommodation during the first year.

Councillor Ruth Dombey, Sutton Council leader, said: “The London Cancer Hub is one of the most exciting projects to be happening nationally, so I am very proud that it is happening here in Sutton.

“Our ambition is to build this into one of the most important sites for cancer research, treatment and diagnosis in the world.

“What could be more fitting than having a school as part of this project to open up opportunities to young people living in this borough and give them skills for the future?

“Life sciences is one of the biggest growing sectors of the economy. The opportunities the school will have working closely with the ICR will be exceptional.

“As a world centre for cancer research, people will be coming from all over the world.”

Initial intake will comprise of 195 Year 7 pupils before eventually taking on its 1,275-capacity for teenagers aged between 11 and 18 years old.

It is said the school’s curriculum will be broad, however there will be a focus towards health and life sciences given its proximity to the London Cancer Hub.

Sutton Council chief executive Niall Bolger also said: “We are incredibly ambitious for our borough and the people living here.

“With an increasing population this school will provide vital new places for over 1,200 children to help maintain Sutton’s excellent reputation for education.

“The school is a milestone in the construction of the London Cancer Hub which is set to create 13,000 additional jobs and promote £1.2 billion of investment every year into the UK economy.”

The 265,000 sqm London Cancer Hub, a collaboration between the Institute for Cancer Research (ICR) and the Royal Marsden Hospital, is a new treatment and research building which aims to discover two extra cancer drugs every five years and potentially create 13,000 new jobs.

Principal designate of Harris Academy James Fisher added: “It’s a fantastic moment to see work starting on the new building for Harris Academy Sutton.

“With science and sports facilities that are second to none and a creative and engaging curriculum to match the ambition of the London Cancer Hub, the academy will be a truly inspiring place to learn and teach.

“Over 800 local families have already applied for a place when we open in our temporary home from this September, and we look forward to welcoming our first 195 students to Harris Academy Sutton.”