Builders moved in to start work on a new bilingual school in Harrow this week.

St. Jérôme Church of England Bilingual School is on track to open in Station Road at the old Wickes retail support centre building in central Harrow in September.

The team behind the first state-funded French-English bilingual school in the area, is also celebrating having the school's funding agreement approved by Lord Nash, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Schools.

The funding agreement is the contract between the school and the government and a key document in the school’s journey toward opening.

With the new developments, St. Jérôme is set to welcome its first 60 Reception children in September.

Daniel Norris, executive headteacher, said: "It is very unusual to get funding agreement approval so far in advance of the school opening.

"This news is a vote of confidence in my excellent team and fantastic news for the local families who have supported our journey all the way."

The primary secured planning permission last month to change the use of the site from offices to school.

It will grow each year until it eventually accommodates children aged four to 11.

Ian Fernandes, chair of governors, said: "The original idea for the school came from a handful of local parents who wanted Harrow children to be given the unique opportunity of a bilingual state school education.

"In this respect, this is genuinely a project from the community, for the community. With the fantastic expertise and support of the London Diocesan Board for Schools and the executive headteacher Daniel Norris, we have now been able to make this dream a reality. "

When it opens in September St. Jérôme Church of England Bilingual School will offer pupils a truly exceptional educational experience based on Christian values.

"We will have an obvious focus on languages but much more besides, and I feel extremely privileged to be involved.

"Today's announcement marks the culmination of over two years of work undertaken a small number of people, mostly behind the scenes.

"It has not always been easy, but it is because of their perseverance that we are here at this historic milestone today.

"I would like to express my sincere gratitude to them for their efforts, without which this would not have been possible."

St. Jérôme Church of England Bilingual School is accepting late applications, visit their website: www.stjeromebilingual.org for more information.