SANDWELL first new secondary school for ten years is on track to open its doors in September.

The final touches are now being made to the new Q3 Academy Langley, which is on the former Langley High School in Moat Road.

The first 153 year seven pupils will start this September and the school will eventually accommodate more than 1,500 students aged 11 to 18.

The school is sponsored by Eric Payne, who also sponsors the Q3 Academy in Great Barr.

Sandwell Council is building the new school and has worked with Mr Payne to make the project happen in a relatively short space of time.

Building of the second phase of the school is expected to start in late 2017.

Council leader Councillor Steve Eling said: “This is a great example of the council working together with Eric Payne and the team at Q3 to provide a brand-new school for Langley.

“We’re committed to providing more secondary school places in Sandwell to meet increasing demands, and this will be a fantastic addition to education in the area.

“This also shows how local authorities are best placed to deliver new school buildings quickly to meet the rising demand for places.”

Councillor Simon Hackett, the council’s cabinet member for children’s services, said: “I’m thrilled we are opening a new secondary school – the first since the Sandwell Academy – and this once again shows Sandwell leading the way.

“In just a few weeks, the first pupils will be going through the doors. I wish them, and all the Q3 Langley team, a very happy and successful future in these high-quality school facilities.”

Q3 Academy Langley head of school Peter Lee said: “All staff are extremely excited about the impending opening of Q3 Langley on September 6.

“We have already spent four days of our transition week with 153 of our new intake in late July.

“They conducted a series of team-building activities and got to visit the new site as well as an outdoor adventure day too."

Mr Payne said he was really pleased to sponsor Q3 Academy Langley and was passionate about helping to provide children in Sandwell with a good education.

He said: “The new, purpose-built school will provide a wonderful environment for learning and our vision for the future has already proven popular with parents and children.”