A £34m school two years in the making will officially open later this summer.

The new Swindon Academy building in Beech Avenue, Pinehurst, has a dance studio with a sprung floor, surround sound and underfloor heating, a drama studio, an international standard sports hall and a gym.

It first opened in September 2007 as a replacement for Pinehurst Infants, Pinehurst Junior and Headlands Schools and building work on the new site began in May 2008.

Students moved into the building, which is run by the United Learning Trust and sponsored by Honda, just before Christmas last year.

Jan Shadick, principal at Swindon Academy, said: “Everyone at the academy is really looking forward to the opening and showcasing the wonderful work which is taking place here. The students are looking forward to what promises to be a memorable opening ceremony.”

Swindon Academy caters for 1,400 pupils up to the age of 19 and will be officially opened by the president of Honda Europe, Shigeru Takagi. Asimo, the Honda robot, will also be flown in from Japan.

British scientist Baroness Greenfield will be giving a science address, as the Swindon Academy’s specialism is science, business and enterprise.

Mike Godfrey, senior manager of Honda UK Manufacturing Ltd, said: “We’ve been working closely with the staff and students at Swindon Academy for more than two years now, not just on a financial basis but also providing practical support with a variety of curriculum activities. It’s fantastic to witness the next chapter in the academy’s evolution with the opening of this wonderful new building.

“As a major employer in the Swindon area, we are delighted to support the local community in this way and look forward to building further on our very close and mutually beneficial relationship with the academy to see it continue to go from strength to strength.”

The opening ceremony is on July 2 at 11.40am.