Michael Tippett school designed by Marks Barfield will feature an extensive green roof

Work is set to start on one of the first new-build schools being built under the government’s Building Schools for the Future scheme.

The £7.3m Michael Tippett school, designed by London Eye architect Marks Barfield, has been given the go-ahead to start on site later this month. The scheme will be led by Apollo Education, part of the Apollo Services Group.

Gary Couch, chief executive of Apollo Property Services Group said: “We are delighted to have won this prestigious contract to design and build such a high profile scheme... We greatly look forward to applying our considerable expertise and experience in building and refurbishing schools to this groundbreaking project.”

The school will provide facilities for 80 pupils with learning difficulties between the ages of 11 and 18. A major feature of the building will be its green roof, which will provide a habitat for wildlife and plants that children can learn from as well as insulating the building.

Apollo Education is also preferred bidder on two further BSF projects in Lambeth: Elm Court, a special needs school for 100 pupils, and Park Campus, a pupil referral unit.