WESTON-super-Mare's first academy school is to be named after an architect who designed many landmark buildings in the town.

The Hans Price Academy will open in September, replacing Wyvern Community School.

New £18 million buildings are planned for September 2012 for the academy, which will be part of the Bristol-based Cabot Learning Federation.

The name of Hans Price was chosen after discussions with staff, parents and students.

Price was responsible for much of the development in the resort in the Victorian era, including housing on Worlebury Hill and The Boulevard and public buildings including schools, the library, the sanatorium (now Royal Court flats), and the gaslight company building (now North Somerset Museum) as well as an extension to Weston Town Hall and the toll house and Royal Pier Hotel in Clevedon.

David Carter, executive principal of Cabot Learning Federation, said: "The name 'Hans Price' is different and imaginative, but it is also representative of a significant individual from the town that the academy will serve. We want the names of our academies to be associated with figures like John Cabot and Isambard Brunel, who both reflect the spirit of adventure, creativity, and ambition that we want for the students in our schools.

"We wanted something similar for the new academy in Weston-super-Mare and I am delighted with the choice. We have a building named after a man who has left a big impression on the town. We believe the academy can do the same."

Hans Price Academy will be led by principal Armando di Finizio, who has been in charge at Bristol Brunel Academy in Speedwell, Bristol, since it opened three years ago and previously helped set up The City Academy in Lawrence Hill, one of England's first academies.

Each of the academies in the federation – as well as BBA there is the John Cabot Academy in Kingswood and the Bristol Metropolitan Academy in Fishponds – has its own principal, with Mr Carter overseeing all four.

Mr Carter said: "Armando has been an outstanding principal at Brunel and under his leadership the academy has gone from strength to strength. This was reflected in the recent Ofsted inspection of the Brunel academy. I know he can have the same impact in Weston and look forward to the success I am sure we will see under his excellent leadership."

The Hans Price Academy will keep Wyvern's sports specialism and will also focus on business and enterprise.

A new curriculum will be introduced for Year 7 and the federation has pledged to increase the number of students gaining five or more good GCSEs including English and maths by the end of Year 11.

All staff will be able to transfer to the academy from the old school and Mr Carter has been working with them to develop a vision for the academy.