A sponsor has been chosen for a controversial new secondary academy in South Norwood.

Oasis Community Learning, which already runs three academies in Croydon, will open a school split between the two sites - Croydon Adult Learning and Training Centre and Croydon Arena - in September next year. 

Plans for the huge academy, with will ultimately cater for more than 1,150 pupils, had provoked vehement opposition from locals. 

A council consultation earlier this year found 70 per cent of respondents objected to the school, with 57 out of 92 strongly against it. 

Many raised concerns about the area's ability to cope with an influx of pupils, while residents also had fears for the local environment. 

Just 21 respondents were in favour. 

But Croydon Council is to press ahead with the plans, which will teach 11-18-year-olds with six classes each year.

Councillor Tim Pollard, cabinet member for children, families and learning, said educational needs were the "prime concern" as it the council looks to accommodate surging demand for school places. 

The new South Norwood school, which will be called Oasis Academy Arena, see Years 7 to 11 study at a newly refurbished CALAT Centre site on Sandown Road.

A new purpose-built school will be built at Croydon Arena for Years 12 and 13.

The school will specialise in sports and health science, partnering with local and national sports and science organisations, and every student will study for a sports qualification. 

The school will accept an initial intake of 180 Year 7 pupils in September 2014.

The council named Oasis as their preferred sponsor, a decision approved by the Department for Education today.

Steve Chalke, founder of Oasis, said: “As a former South Norwood school boy myself, I am thrilled that Oasis has been given the opportunity to open Oasis Academy Arena. 

"Our new academy will be a legacy of the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics for the local community. 

"As well as being a crucial means of tackling the deficit of school places in the area, the school will seek to make a positive impact on the entire local community and we look forward to working with the London Borough of Croydon as we move towards opening the new school next year.”