One of the first rural academies in England and Wales will open this autumn in Wiltshire.

Wellington Academy in Tidworth will house a theatre, a floodlit all-weather sports pitch, ICT facilities and the community radio station, as well as boarding for around 100 students and a Combined Cadet Force.

Built on the site of the existing Castledown School, the new academy will benefit from a set of new buildings scheduled for completion in early 2011.

Next month, Wiltshire County Council and Wellington Academy will hold public consultations with the town councils and local communities to listen to feedback on the project and help inform the final design by the Kier Group.

Andy Schofield, principal designate for the academy, said: “The design of the new academy is truly stunning. Our partners have done a superb job in getting the plans to this stage and I’m sure that the local community will be delighted.”

The Department of Children, Schools and Families will fund the £32m development, supported by a £2m investment from Wellington College.

Stephanie Denovan, assistant director for schools and the county council, said: “I see this as a tremendous opportunity for the school and the local community.”