Spending £30million on a new school is one thing - getting the culture right is another - but the county council has a secret weapon up its sleeve.

Turning to someone who has 'been there, done it', sounds like a good option and explains why the council is pleased with the sponsor appointed by the Regional Schools Commissioner.

The commissioner has decided the building of the culture of the new school will be overseen by the 'outstanding' Balcarras School located in nearby Charlton Kings.

It is thought the new school could be built at land off Kidnappers Lane in Leckhampton.

Cllr Lynden Stowe, cabinet member for economy, skills and growth, said Balcarras was the council's recommended sponsor.

"Balcarras has received an outstanding judgement in each of its last four Ofsted inspections going back to 2001, which goes to show the quality of the education they offer.

"It is yet another really exciting step forward for the project and means we're a little bit closer to a new £30m school to serve Cheltenham and the surrounding area."

In February, Gloucestershire County Council invited interested parties to submit bids to run the new school after confirming plans to build the new school in the South of Cheltenham in Leckhampton.

The need for a new school in the town is to tackle the shortage of spaces in Cheltenham secondary schools. If nothing is done by 2019, all year seven places will be full and 128 children will be left without an option.

By 2021 this will increase to around 188 children without places, a figure that will continue to grow as each year passes, so it is important that the council provides places for the future demand.

Working with planners at Cheltenham the county council has earmarked land off Kidnappers Lane in Leckhampton as the preferred location for a new school.

The council and Balcarras will now be actively encouraging the local community to take part in establishing the new school through a series of consultation events to get views on proposals put forward.

Cllr Richard Boyles, cabinet member for children and young people, said: "We've said all along that there is a real need for additional school places in the south of Cheltenham.

"Now that we have a sponsor on board we can move the project forward and bring this new school to life."

Cllr Iain Dobie, local member for Leckhampton and Warden Hill, said: "I'm sure parents living in Leckhampton and Warden Hill will welcome this decision.

"Balcarras is recognised as one of the very best schools in the whole of the South West."

Dominic Burke, head teacher at Balcarras, said: "We are delighted. It's a great responsibility to take on and one which we are hugely excited by.

"We are looking forward to working closely with Gloucestershire County Council, an extensive collection of partner schools including Cheltenham Ladies' College and Pittville, and members of the local community to deliver a new flagship school for south Cheltenham."