The charity planning to open a new school on the site of Barnet FC’s former Underhill Stadium has vowed to recognise the “proud history” of the area.

Barnet FC confirmed the site, where the Bees played for 106 years before leaving in 2013, had been sold to the Education Funding Agency earlier this week.

Plans are now underway to open Ark Pioneer Academy on the site in 2017, run by education charity and academy network Ark.

Starting with a Reception and Year 7 class, the school will eventually cater for 1,800 pupils aged four to 18, as well as a nursery.

Laurie Grist, head of projects at Ark, said: “The school will meet the needs of a growing population in a brand new school building which will be built on the former Underhill Stadium site. This will be purpose built to meet local needs with state of the art classrooms and educational facilities.

“We are very excited about opening a new school in Barnet to provide a high quality education and increase the choice available to families in the area.

“We understand the historic nature of the site and want to ensure the proud 106-year history of Barnet FC at the stadium is appropriately recognised at the new school.”

The charity plans to meet with community groups, parents and politicians to discuss the proposals in more detail.

Campaigners and Barnet FC fans described the sale of Underhill as "disappointing", but not a surprise.