The construction of a permanent site for The Charter School East Dulwich has progressed into the second and final stage, with work due to complete at the end of this year.

The school, designed by FCB Studios, will be able to accommodate 1,700 pupils, including 480 sixth form places and 20 places for young people with special educational needs.

The final phase of construction includes work on the main entrance, additional office and teaching space, music and sixth form facilities, a new SEND unit, and external play space.

The campus complex is based on the site of the old East Dulwich Hospital and construction has been split into two phases to co-ordinate with the NHS on the relocation of services from the hospital.

Phase one provided the school’s main teaching accommodation with art and science classrooms, a sports hall, and temporary main entrance.

Pupils also have more outdoor space thanks to landscaping round the school and a new temporary classroom block has enabled the school to fully function while the main building is renovated.

However, project completion was delayed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Councillor Jasmine Ali, deputy leader and cabinet member for children, education and refugees, said: “I am thrilled that we are one step closer towards a state-of-the-art new school premises for children of all abilities, and specifically those with SEND requirements.

“It will be the perfect setting for the excellent teaching and specialist education at The Charter School East Dulwich, enabling children with SEND requirements to thrive within a mainstream setting.

“Ambitious projects such as this one often encounter setbacks for various reasons and while we could not have foreseen skyrocketing construction costs, we are delighted to be back on track and know that parents will be too.”

The Department for Education, together with Southwark Council, is providing funding for the project, which is being led by Southwark Council acting as developer managers.